Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, characterized by eczematous skin lesions and pruritus. The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is not completely understood, yet it is now established that the defective epidermal barrier function and abnormal immune responsiveness contribute to the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis. Traditionally, immune dysfunction leading to a Th2 cytokine imbalance, which causes skin barrier disruption, was regarded as the primary pathogenic mechanism. However, it is increasingly recognized that skin barrier dysfunction plays a critical role in the initiation and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis is supposedly initiated by various combinations of inherited and environmental factors.
In this review, we will discuss the skin barrier in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and its implication in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
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