Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema: Clinics, Pathophysiology and Therapy

This entirely revised edition of the successful work presents the state of the art in clinics, research and practical management of atopic dermatitis - eczema. The wide variability in clinical morphology including differences between age groups and ethnicities is illustrated by color pictures including the typical minimal manifestations or ＂stigmata＂ suggestive of atopy. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of this disease over the last few decades is reflected by detailed analyses of epidemiological data from all over the world. In-depth descriptions of key pathophysiological mechanisms including epidermal barrier, molecular genetics, itch pathophysiology and modern cellular immunology offer readers a deeper understanding of the complex events leading to the often excruciating symptoms. Treatment - and management - comprises all aspects from elicitor avoidance to basic emollient skin care, immuno-modulating treatments both topical and systemic, up to the latest advances in kinase inhibitors and biologics.

In turn, the book discusses the role of the microbiome and antimicrobial treatments as well as phototherapy, provides dietary recommendations for individuals with food allergies, and explores psychosocial aspects of the disease. Environmental influences are considered with regard to irritants and allergens. All recommendations are based on current national and international guidelines. The complex management strategies for this disease have led to the emergence of educational programs (Eczema Schools), which the authors have developed and promoted at the national and international level. This new revised edition of Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema will be an invaluable asset for dermatologists, allergists, pediatricians and general practitioners, but also for all related health personnel and patient organizations interested in gaining a fuller understanding of this widespread skin disease.

Prof. Kilian Eyerich, MD, is Chair and Professor at the Department of Dermatology and Venerology of the University of Freiburg, Germany, as well as guest professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. He was previously Heisenberg professor for Dermato-Immunology at the Technical University Munich, Germany. His scientific interest is the interaction of adaptive immune cells and resident epithelial cells in inflammatory skin diseases. His vision is to revise the disease ontology of inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases based on a clinically meaningful molecular basis. Kilian Eyerich is principal investigator in numerous translational research projects and clinical trials in the field. He has published more than 150 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine as well as journals of the Nature and Science group. His work received numerous awards such as two European Research Council grants and a Heisenberg professorship, while serving as board member and advisor of numerous academic and private scientific organizations, including the role of deputy editor of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Prof. Johannes Ring, Prof. Johannes Ring, MD, DPhil is a Professor Emeritus at the Department for Dermatology and Allergology Biederstein, Technical University of Munich (TUM). He is also a founding member of the Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK CARE, Munich, Davos, Zürich). He is in now in private practice in Munich and in Davos at the High Altitude Clinic. He started as an immunologist and found his way to dermatology via allergy. He has been Director and Chairman of the University Dermatology Departments in Hamburg and Munich for 25 years. He has been president or vice president of several societies, namely the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR), World Allergy Organisation (WAO), and Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA). He is honorary member of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology (JSID). He has served as founding editor of Allergo Journal, now Allergo Journal International and World Allergy Organisation (WAO) Journal. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV). He has published more than 600 original articles and authored or edited 25 books. Prof. Ring is a recipient of the Bavarian State Medal for Environment and Health, the Erich Fuchs Award, the Clemens von Pirquet Award, Franqui professor and lectureship Brussels, Zakon lecture history of dermatology and the Karl Hansen Medal.