Adult atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that commonly effects children and often resolves in infancy or childhood. However, the disease may persist into adulthood (persistent atopic dermatitis) or it may begin later in life (adult-onset atopic dermatitis). Diagnosis in adults can be difficult, especially in cases of onset in adults. Adult atopic dermatitis is accompanied by a high physical, psychological and socio-economic burden, with a significant reduction in the quality of life. Management is complex and it usually requires adequate skin care and intermittent or continuous long-term treatment. Studies in recent years have led to significant advances in understanding pathogenetic mechanisms. This advance has enabled the identification of molecular targets and the development of new drugs that are significantly changing the clinical history of the disease.