Atopic dermatitis in childhood and adolescence

This book is a part of the volume 15 of the ongoing series “Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine”. The book provides eminently readable and practical information, presented clearly. It includes chapters on classification, clinical features and differential diagnostics of atopic dermatitis, risk factors and epidemiology, clinical impact of current genetics findings, immunology and pathophysiology, psychological factors, neuroimmunology and itch, role of food allergy, inhalant allergy, infections and bacterial colonisation including treatment, topical treatment, systemic therapies, occupational aspects, educational programmes for children with atopic dermatitis and their parents.

The classification of atopy into intrinsic and extrinsic types is well presented. The significance of filaggrin gene mutation and its relationship to epidermal barrier and inflammatory processes is well explained. The role of genetic factors in fillaggrin mutation and immunology, psychological factors and itch and food allergy with atopic dermatitis is explained well. The concept of atopic march to bronchial asthma is clarified as simultaneous occurrence of two disorders rather than uncontrolled atopic dermatitis progressing to bronchial asthma. Chapters on topical and systemic therapy are well written but not comprehensive. The chapter on educational programmes for children with atopic dermatitis and their parents highlights the need for the educational aspect in addition to medication for this chronic disease. Overall, this book is an update on atopic dermatitis and will serve dermatologists, paediatricians, allergy specialists taking care of atopic dermatitis patients and is also recommended for medical college libraries.