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.