A clinico-pathological approach to management of atopic dermatitis

Recent research in atopic dermatitis (AD) has identified it to be a heterogeneous inflammatory skin disorder of different endotypes (immune polarisation of T- cell subsets and genetic mutations) underlying various phenotypes (age of onset, ethnicity, disease severity, etc.). The corresponding heterogeneity in underlying patho- mechanisms of the disease has resulted in an impetus towards an endotype-driven management of AD. We propose a practical approach that is based on classifying AD patients into intrinsic and extrinsic phenotypes and their corresponding underlying endotypes. This approach aims to provide a practical method that integrates recent understanding of AD pathogenesis for a targeted endotype-driven management of AD.

Automated summary

Recent research on atopic dermatitis has identified it as a heterogeneous inflammatory skin disorder with different immune polarisation and genetic mutations, leading to the development of endotype-driven management. A practical approach has been proposed to classify patients into intrinsic and extrinsic phenotypes for targeted management based on underlying endotypes.