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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and recurrent disease induced by underlying defects of the epidermal barrier and immunological disorders, typical of atopic diseases. The genetic and immunological mechanisms (outlined in the previous paper) affecting the dysfunction of the barrier are intensified by environmental factors, e.g. airborne and food allergens, infections and stress. For this reason, proper skin care, which prevents further damage and restores the epidermal barrier is of such importance in the field of AD therapy. Appropriate therapy is based on emollients which, coupled with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic treatment, should be used as the first-line therapy. The aim of the present paper is to outline the effects of the abovementioned factors on the dysfunction of the epidermal barrier as well as to emphasize the importance of proper atopic skin care in maintaining the integrity of the barrier and preventing exacerbation of the disease.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease, which is frequently familial. The main cause of the disease seems to be a defect of the epidermal barrier resulting from a genetic predisposition concerning the epidermis, functioning of the immune system as well as environmental factors (which are not related to the immune system). Genes responsible for encoding protein S100, filaggrin, proteases and their inhibitors are the main genes related to the problem of epidermal barrier dysfunction. There is a close connection between structural and immunological processes. Increased expression of cytokine Th2 profile belongs to the latter category. The objective of the present paper is to describe the influence of aforementioned factors on epidermis structure and dysfunction which leads to clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis.