ATOPIC DERMATITIS: FROM PATHOGENESIS TO TARGETED THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Monika Kałwak; Aleksandra Foryś; Sviatlana  Filitaryna; Monika  Wiatr; Magda   Marciniak; Cezary  Orzechowski; Michał  Gutowski; Wojciech Wojas; Justyna   Żabicka; Kinga  Lichtarska; Patryk   Dłubis

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5692

Authors

Monika Kałwak Independent Public Healthcare Facility of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration of Sergeant Grzegorz Załoga in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4244-3086
Aleksandra Foryś Provincial Specialist Hospital No. 5 of St. Barbara in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7983-1443
Sviatlana Filitaryna Specialist Hospital of Dr. Tytus Chałubiński in Radom, Radom, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8897-0254
Monika Wiatr Specialist Hospital of Dr. Tytus Chałubiński in Radom, Radom, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2038-3174
Magda Marciniak Specialist Hospital of Dr. Tytus Chałubiński in Radom, Radom, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4016-6536
Cezary Orzechowski Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1265-311X
Michał Gutowski Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7865-8736
Wojciech Wojas Maria Skłodowska-Curie Warsaw Higher School, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4295-0599
Justyna Żabicka Maria Skłodowska-Curie Warsaw Higher School, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0612-0938
Kinga Lichtarska Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9319-8323
Patryk Dłubis Municipal Hospital in Gliwice LLC, Gliwice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2952-6675

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5692

Keywords:

Atopic Dermatitis; Atopic Eczema; Pruritus; Therapeutics

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also referred to as atopic eczema, is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense pruritus, xerosis, and recurrent eczematous lesions. It significantly affects patients’ quality of life and poses a considerable clinical burden. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the pathogenesis of AD and highlight recent advances in targeted therapeutic strategies. A narrative review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on immunological pathways and modern treatment approaches. The analysis emphasizes the central role of immune dysregulation, particularly involving type 2 helper T-cell responses, impaired skin barrier function associated with filaggrin deficiency, and genetic predisposition in disease development. Environmental factors and microbiome alterations also contribute to disease exacerbation. Recent therapeutic progress has introduced targeted treatments, including biologic agents and Janus kinase inhibitors, which have demonstrated high efficacy and safety profiles. These innovations have significantly improved disease control and patient outcomes. In conclusion, improved understanding of AD pathogenesis supports the development of personalized and more effective management strategies.

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