Key points Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease with various types of leukocytes involved in its pathology. Multiple subsets of CD4 + helper T cells, which are sensitized, activated, and differentiated by antigen presenting cells (i.e., Langerhans cells and…
Key points Allergen-specific B cells are differentiated into plasma cells producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Through binding to the receptors (FcεRI and FcεRII), IgE induces cytokine and chemokine production from immune cells. Intrinsic atopic dermatitis is T-cell mediated, involving Th2…
Key points Cutaneous microcirculation, a type of microvasculature situated just below the epidermis, is composed of major components of blood vessels (arterioles and venules) and lymphatic vessels. The cutaneous blood vessels are organized into a superficial plexus near the dermal-epidermal…
Key points Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin surface that forms the first line of defense against invaders from the environment. Keratinocyte is the epidermis’s principle cell type responsible for generating and maintaining the integrity of the epidermis. Besides…
Key points The fact that up to 50% of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have loss-of-function genetic mutations of skin barrier protein filaggrin points to a cutaneous weakness that allows external factors to trigger skin inflammation in AD. Various studies documented…
Key points The worldwide prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has risen over recent decades, paralleling industrial and urban growth. Airborne pollutants induce oxidative damage at the skin interface with the outside world, setting in motion a cycle of inflammation, skin…
Key points Maternal supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). Fish intake during early childhood may decrease the risk of developing AD. Early oral introduction of potentially allergenic foods in combination with improved skin…
Key points Patients with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to developing irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). ICD can present with phenotypic subtypes such as asteatotic ICD, airborne ICD, acneiform ICD, chronic ICD, and acute ICD with…
Key points The human microbiome consists of a wide variety of microorganisms that assist in key physiologic processes. The majority of microbial diversity is found on the skin and in the gut; and microbial composition is influenced by multiple host…
Key points The four layers of the epidermis—stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale—are composed of keratinocytes, which undergo differentiation and mature as they become more superficial until they are terminally differentiated at the stratum corneum. The dermis…