Poussées de dermatite atopique : définitions et causes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is by definition a chronic pruritic skin disease characterised by a history of flares and remissions. Genetic studies have recently demonstrated a link of causality between an impaired permeability barrier defect and both AD and mucosal allergic disorders, putting the skin stratum corneum at the centre of the pathophysiology of these disorders. The respective importance of flare factors is difficult to sort out in published papers. Some of them, such as temperature, irritants and aeroallergens have a demonstrated impact on the permeability barrier anomaly, based on epidemiological or experimental evidence. However, a better methodology and terminology are needed to identify the most significant flare factors and promote an efficient prevention.