Theatopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that progresses in flare-ups. It can affect anyone, but it predominantly affects children and infants (1 in 10 children are affected).
There exists a genetic predisposition that favors the atopic nature of this disease: more than 50% of affected individuals have a parent who is also affected. Indeed, research has highlighted abnormalities affecting the gene coding for filaggrin, as well as other molecules necessary for the integrity of the stratum corneum.
This atopy is caused by a lack of sebum production, lipids, and cell adhesion molecules, leading to adysfunction of the skin barrier which can no longer perform its protective role.
It should be noted : atopy refers to an individual's tendency to develop aallergic reactionto normal environmental elements (animal hair, dust, pollen...), which do not cause problems for the rest of the population.
There exist various types of eczema (contact eczema, nummular eczema, etc), but the primary one is atopic eczema caused by a dysfunctional skin barrier. This barrier, no longer impermeable, allows water to escape from the epidermis and external elements to enter, thus causing various symptoms and complications.