Broad approach to atopic dermatitis: narrative review

Abstract

Objective: To provide, through a narrative review, a broad approach to Atopic Dermatitis (AD). Bibliography review: Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, as it is also called, refers to a chronic inflammation of the skin, characterized by red, itchy lesions and associated descative processes. It is a recurrent disease, which mainly affects the pediatric age group, but it can also affect individuals in adulthood. The pathophysiology known so far relates the development of the disease to an interaction between genetic factors, changes in the skin barrier and immunological disorders. The diagnosis of this pathology is essentially clinical and the performance of complementary exams help to determine some triggering factors for the lesions. Treatment is basically done with the removal of triggering factors and, when necessary, with corticosteroids and other medications. Final considerations: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that affects thousands of people worldwide. In the presence of suggestive signs and symptoms, the individual should seek a physician, preferably a dermatologist, to establish an accurate diagnosis and institute an adequate therapeutic plan.