Pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease with severe pruritus, and the first step of atopic march since it often precedes asthma or allergic rhinitis. Since its etiology or pathogenesis is very complex and frequently changing, physicians cannot easily understand it in entirety. New insights into the genetics and pathophysiology of AD emphasize the crucial function of the skin barrier as well as abnormal immune response. In this review, the pathogenesis of AD is explained as the combined features of impaired skin barrier and abnormal immune response rather than each independent concept. Understanding the whole pathogenesis of AD may lead to early intervention and prevention of atopic march as well as proper clinical treatment.