Atopic dermatitis: new insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and novel treatment strategies

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the long-lasting chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with cutaneous hyper-reactivity and triggered by environmental factors. The attributes of AD include dry skin, pruritus, lichenification and frequent eczematous abrasions. This has a strong heritable aspect and typically occurs with asthma and allergic rhinitis. The complex pathological mechanism behind AD etiology is epidermal barrier destruction resulting in the lack of filaggrin protein that can induce inflammation and T-cell infiltration. T-helper 2 cell-mediated pathways also bear the responsibility of damage to the epidermal barrier. Certain causative factors for AD include microbial imbalance of skin microbiota, immunoglobulin-E-induced sensitization and neuro-inflammation. Numerous beneficial topical and oral treatments have been available to patients and there are even more drugs in the pipeline for the treatment of AD. Topical moisturizers, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory agents such as calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, cAMP-specific 3, 5 half-cyclic phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors and systemic immunosuppressants are widely available for AD treatments. Different positions and pathways inside the immune system including JAK-STAT, phosphodiesterase 4, aryl hydrocarbon receptor and T-helper 2 cytokines are targeted by above-mentioned drug treatments. Instead of the severe side effects of topical steroids and oral antihistamines, herbal plants and their derived phytoconstituents are commonly used for the treatment of AD. A clear understanding of AD's cellular and molecular pathogenesis through substantial advancement in genetics, skin immunology and psychological factors resulted in advancement of AD management. Therefore, the review highlights the recent advancements in the understanding of clinical features, etiology, pathogenesis, treatment and management and non-adherence to AD treatment.