Atopic dermatitis research scientists are investigating possible causes and developing better ways of managing, treating, and preventing the condition. Promising research studies are focusing on areas such as genetics, biochemical abnormalities, faulty regulation of IgE, and immune system imbalance. Atopic dermatitis research is also testing new treatment methods, such as ultraviolet light, biologic agents, and Chinese herbs.
An Overview of Atopic Dermatitis Research
Atopic dermatitis research scientists are gaining a better understanding of what causes the condition and how it can be managed, treated, and, ultimately, prevented. Some promising avenues of research include:
Genetics
Biochemical abnormalities
Faulty regulation of immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Immune system imbalances
New treatments.
Atopic Dermatitis Research on Genetics
Although atopic dermatitis runs in families, the exact role of genetics remains unclear. However, researchers do believe that more than one gene is involved in the disease. Recent studies show that:
Children are at an increased risk for developing atopic dermatitis if there is a family history of atopic diseases, such as hay fever or asthma
The risk for developing atopic dermatitis is significantly higher if both parents have an atopic disease
Identical twins, who have the same genes, show that in an estimated 80 to 90 percent of cases, atopic disease appears in both twins
Fraternal twins, who have only some genes in common, are no more likely than two other people in the general population to both have an atopic disease.
These findings suggest that genes play an important role in determining who gets atopic dermatitis.
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