Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Treatment (Patreon)

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by a complex interplay of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. It's very common, especially in children. It affects up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide, making it one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. In the United States, it is estimated that atopic dermatitis affects over 31 million people. It is most common in infants and young children, with up to 25% of children affected. Many outgrow it, but it can persist into adulthood in some cases. The prevalence appears to be increasing over the past few decades in many countries, both developed and developing. It is more common in urban areas compared to rural populations.

Genetic Factors:

Atopic dermatitis has a strong genetic component, with mutations in genes encoding for proteins involved in maintaining the skin barrier function and regulating immune responses. These genetic alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Skin Barrier Dysfunction:

In atopic dermatitis, there is a defective skin barrier function, which is primarily attributed to a decrease in the production of ceramides and other lipids that are essential for maintaining the stratum corneum's integrity. This defective barrier allows increased penetration of allergens, irritants, and pathogens, leading to immune activation and inflammation.

Immunological Dysregulation:

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by a complex interplay of immune dysregulation involving both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Innate Immune Response: In atopic dermatitis, there is an exaggerated innate immune response, with increased expression of antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines, leading to the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells

Adaptive Immune Response: Th2 cells (a subset of T helper cells) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. These cells produce cytokines like interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, which contribute to the inflammation and allergic responses observed in the condition.

Inflammatory Cascade:

The combination of skin barrier disruption and immune dysregulation triggers a complex inflammatory cascade involving various cell types and mediators:

Keratinocytes (skin cells) release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, attracting inflammatory cells like T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells to the skin.

These inflammatory cells release additional mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and proteases, contributing to the itching, redness, and skin lesions characteristic of atopic dermatitis.

Environmental Factors:

Exposure to various environmental factors, such as allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen), irritants (e.g., soaps, detergents), and stress, can trigger flare-ups or exacerbate existing atopic dermatitis by disrupting the skin barrier and promoting inflammation.


This field will help with the condition, by working on the topics mentioned. This one you can use more, and it's safe for children.

Additional sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28978208/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27579744/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29969827/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37758055/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34106037/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36428114/