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Evolving Concepts in Atopic Dermatitis

  • Allergic Skin Diseases (L Fonacier, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Tremendous advances have been made in the field of atopic dermatitis in the past 5 years. We will explore developments in burden of disease, co-morbidities, pathogenesis, prevention, and management.

Recent Findings

The tremendous burden moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) places on families from a medical, psychosocial, and financial perspective has been characterized. Epidemiologic studies have identified intriguing new associations beyond the well-characterized “atopic march” of food allergies, asthma, and hay fever. Studies of primary prevention have gained traction including the remarkable impacts of early emollient therapy. Basic advances have simultaneously elucidated the nature of atopic inflammation, setting the stage for an explosion of new potential therapeutic targets. After a fallow period of nearly 15 years without a substantial therapeutic advance, this year has already seen two new FDA-approved treatments for AD.

Summary

AD has a tremendous impact on quality of life with an underappreciated burden of disease; there are important newly described co-morbidities including ADHD and anemia; new insights into etio-pathogenesis have paved the way for novel topical therapies like crisaborole, and new systemic interventions like dupilumab.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Dermatology, Seattle Childrens Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, OC 9.835, Seattle Childrens Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA

    Robert Sidbury & Kate Khorsand

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  1. Robert Sidbury
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Correspondence to Robert Sidbury.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Sidbury reports non-financial support from Anacor and from Sanofi-Regeneron, and is Co-chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, National Eczema Association. Dr. Khorsand reports no conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Allergic Skin Diseases

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Sidbury, R., Khorsand, K. Evolving Concepts in Atopic Dermatitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 17, 42 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-017-0710-5

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