Atopic dermatitis is a chronic,
inflammatory skin disease and
is one of the most common
and burdensome dermatologic
disorders in economically
developed countries.
Specifically, itching and lesion
formation are part of the itch-scratch cycle,
which can lead
to abrasion of the skin and,
occasionally, bleeding, further
damaging the skin barrier.
This
can have a significant effect
on patients’ lives.
Damage to the skin barrier,
along with inflammation
caused by sustained IL-4 and
IL-13 production can lead to epidermal
hyperplasia.
During this process, the levels
of Th2 activity remain high and are associated
with the
progressive activation of
additional T helper signaling
pathways, which may
contribute to the changes
observed in lesions over time,
including discoloration and
lichenification.
