Atopic Dermatitis: The Epidemiology, Causes and Prevention of Atopic Eczema - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521570751 ISBN 13: 9780521570756

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an increasingly common skin disease, but its distribution, frequency, and underlying causes have not yet been systematically reviewed in depth. Atopic Dermatitis takes an original look at the epidemiology of the disorder, its prevalence and possible causes. This unique volume draws on international experts from dermatology, epidemiology, pediatrics, and immunology. As an allergic disease, atopic dermatitis has much in common with other allergies and this comprehensive resource sheds new light on the mechanisms that underlie the allergic response. This wide-ranging reference will be invaluable for all involved in the treatment or study of atopic dermatitis.

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Reviews

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease and is especially prevalent in children. This book looks at the epidemiology of atopic dermatitis and examines, in the editor's words, "the causes and distribution of this common yet enigmatic disease." The contributors to this book provide a comprehensive review of this increasingly common disorder, with an emphasis on providing answers to questions of relevance to practicing physicians. For instance, the chapter entitled "Occupational Aspects of Atopic Dermatitis" reviews the quantitative data that suggest an association between hand eczema with atopic dermatitis and concludes that a history of atopic dermatitis doubles the risk of hand eczema -- information that will be useful to practicing physicians. The scholarly chapter entitled "Dietary Factors in Established Atopic Dermatitis" reviews previous studies and concludes that "many children with atopic dermatitis have food allergy, and... in these subjects ingestion of trigger foods in sufficient quantities may cause worsening." The chapter on the natural history of this disorder suggests that many studies have been biased by using hospitalized patients and provides a useful set of guidelines for future studies on this topic. The estimate that about 60 percent of childhood cases will remit by early adolescence is useful, but as the author suggests, it would be helpful if the factors leading to remission, recurrence, or both were clear.

This book is a thorough, thoughtful review that emphasizes evidence-based medicine. It discusses studies that have been completed, but more important, it describes those that need to be completed to guide practicing physicians. Its extensive review, its chatty style, and the helpful summaries of key points at the end of each chapter make reading easy. However, the level of detail is beyond that which the practicing dermatologist, allergist, or pediatrician will find relevant to the care of patients. Rather, the book is more appropriate for laboratory researchers who want to understand the relevant clinical issues, for clinical investigators who want to design further studies, and for scientists searching for connections among atopic dermatitis, asthma, and rhinitis. The research agenda outlined in the concluding chapter emphasizes the need for epidemiologic studies and supports the editor's thesis that previous research has been unbalanced, with a disproportionate emphasis on cell biology and insufficient attention to clinical relevance.

Stephanie Pincus, M.D.
Copyright © 2000 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521570751
• ISBN 13: 9780521570756
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 285
• Editor: Williams Hywel C.