Handbook of Atopic Eczema

Atopic ezcema (atopic dermatitis, neurodermitis diffusa, endogenous eczema, Besnier's prurigo) is one of the most common skin diseases of our time and is still increasing in prevalence in many industrialized countries. While the etiopathophysiology of atopic respiratory diseases is fairly well established, the causes of eczematous skin lesions and the mechanisms eliciting them are still a matter of controversy and hypothesis. This leads to uncertainty among patients and doctors with regard to diagnosis and therapy. The HANDBOOK OF ATOPIC ECZEMA depicts in detail the state of the art in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. It becomes clear that only a painstaking search for the causal or eliciting factors, both immunologic and nonimmunologic, can help the patients in the long term by working out specific avoidance strategies in addition to the symptomatic antiinflammatory treatment and skin care.

From the reviews of the second edition:

"Atopic eczema ... is one of the most common skin diseases of our time and is still increasing in prevalence dramatically all over the world. ... Written by leading experts of the field, this second edition comprises the state of the art in pathophysiology, clinical medicine and therapeutic management. ... All physicians will find this book most helpful in the painstaking search for the individual causal or eliciting factors." (Journal of Investigational Allergology, Vol. 16 (5), 2006)

"The Handbook of Atopic Eczema is not a small book. Its 613 generally well written pages are grouped into 66 chapters ... . A researcher will quickly spot many fertile fields for investigation. Biology watchers will ponder the workings of ceramides, cytokines, and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors. ... This book has a place on my bookshelf next to the first edition, published more than 15 years ago. In fact, it frequently has a place in my hands." (Mark V. Dahl, New England Journal of Medicine, March, 2006)