Atopic dermatitis (AD) together with asthma and allergic rhinitis, is the most typical manifestation of an atopic constitution. Atopic dermatitis has been known since ancient times: Job probably suffered from it. Aetius de Amida in 534BC was the first to report a skin condition closely resembling AD. But the first ‘scientific’ description of childhood AD, together with advice on its treatment, is found in the first textbook of Pediatrics of the Western world “Libellus de Aegritudinibus Infantium” (Handbook of Diseases of children) by the Italian doctor Paolo Bagellardo, published in 1472. In a chapter on the skin, the author advises physicians to lubricate the skin and prevent scratching in children affected by this skin disorder.
Atopic dermatitis is associated with patchy, characteristically distributed areas of cutaneous eczema, with intense itching and subsequent lichenification of the skin. Cutaneous automic dysfunction (increased vasoconstriction) and xerosis (dryness of the skin) commonly occur in the affected patients. In addition, profound immunological dysregulation with various immune alterations has been described in affected patients. Most patients produce IgE antibodies to a number of food and inhalants allergens.
Author(s): Arnaldo Cantani