Cutaneous infections in Atopic Dermatitis (AD) – a literature review

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects people of all ages, usually with onset in childhood. It is a multifactorial, complex disorder that causes disruption of the skin barrier and is associated with an abnormal immune response that can predispose to both cutaneous and extracutaneous infections with the potential to become systemic infections. The aim of this article is to present cutaneous infections as the most common complications of atopic dermatitis (AD). Atopic dermatitis (AD) increases susceptibility to skin viral and bacterial infections. These include Staphylococcus aureus colonization, molluscum contagiosum (MC), eczema herpeticum (EH) and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Among them, Staphylococcus aureus infection is the most frequently observed. Molluscum contagiosum (MC) and AD are considered risk factors for each other. However, studies on the relationship between MC and AD are divergent and there is a need for further research. Eczema herpeticum and systemic infections can be life-threatening nevertheless they are not common. Individuals with AD are more prone to HPV infections with various subtypes. Research shows that AD increases the risk of cervical cancer. Cutaneous infections are the most common complication of atopic dermatitis (AD) and are associated with various health risks. Preventive therapy in AD emphasizes improving the skin barrier. Early recognition of skin infections and introduction of adequate therapy is important to prevent serious medical complications. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Eczema Herpeticum, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum.