Atopic Dermatitis: Advances in Pathogenesis, Management, and Future Directions
Abdulrahman Ahmed Mahmood
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Ahmed Abdullah Omar
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Mohammed Jamal Ahmed
Hawler Medical University, Hawler, Iraq.
Ali Mohammed Salih *
Technical College of Engineering, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, Iraq.
Zanyar Othman Omar
College of Health and Medical Techniques, Northern Technical University, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Rebaz Ramadhan Abdulrahman
Bakrajo Technical Institute, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The goal of this review is to give a complete update on atopic dermatitis (AD), including its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It will focus on new treatments and future directions in personalised care.
Study Design: This is a narrative review of the most recent research on the genetic, immunological, and environmental factors that cause AD and the new ways to treat it.
Place and Duration of Study: The review took place at the Department of Dialysis Technique at Northern Technical University from January to May 2025.
Methodology: The review looks at genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers in a study that used databases like PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. It talks about clinical diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, treatment options, non-drug strategies, and daily habits that can help prevent the disease.
Results: There is evidence that both a weak skin barrier and Immunodeficiency play a role in the development of AD. Mutations in the filaggrin gene, living in a city, and being exposed to things early in life are all strong risk factors. Management strategies now include both drug-based (like dupilumab and crisaborole) and non-drug-based (like moisturising and avoiding allergens) treatments. Personalised care plans and new treatments like herbal agents and microbiome-targeted therapies look promising. AD has a big impact on quality of life and is linked to other problems like anxiety and trouble sleeping.
Conclusion: Atopic dermatitis is still a complicated disease with many causes, so it needs to be treated in a way that is specific to each person and involves many different types of professionals. Recent improvements in biologic therapies, barrier-repair agents, and preventive strategies may help patients get better. More research is needed to confirm that new treatments work and are safe in the long term.
Keywords: Atopic dermatitis, eczema management, risk factors, skin barrier dysfunction, pathogenesis