What's new in eczema? Part I: epidemiology and pathophysiology

Eczema (synonyms ‘atopic eczema’, ‘childhood eczema’, ‘atopic dermatitis’) is a familiar and frequent presentation to the dermatology professional. It affects up to 20% of school-age children in the UK and in 2005 was estimated to affect almost 6 million people in the UK (Simpson et al, 2009). Eczema has a significant impact on quality of life and social and occupational functioning. The dramatic increase in incidence has stimulated a large body of research, although the development of novel therapies has been slow. Great strides have been made in understanding its pathophysiology and in optimising preventative measures and management strategies. This two-part article summarises the recent advances in our understanding and treatment of eczema. It encompasses best evidence from both paediatric and adult studies. Part I explores the epidemiology and pathophysiology, while Part II will focus solely on treatment options.