Atopic Dermatitis

This book presents the state of the art in research into atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, and provides numerous effective practical management recommendations that are grounded in the immense clinical experience of the author. A scientific evidence-based approach to the subject is adopted, progressing from clinical symptoms in different disease stages, molecular genetics, and pathophysiology through to treatment and prevention. All aspects of patient management are covered, including diagnostics, avoidance strategies, emollient therapy, and acute treatment of eczema and itch. Diverse special therapeutic approaches are discussed, ranging from glucocorticoids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and antimicrobial therapy through to UV therapy, allergen-specific immunotherapy, systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and emerging options. Environmental influences are considered, and there is a focus on the whole human being, with attention to psychosocial aspects of the disease and the benefit of educational programs such as 'eczema schools'. Atopic Dermatitis will be invaluable for dermatologists, allergists, pediatricians, and general practitioners and informative for other interested persons and sufferers.

 

Professor Johannes Ring, MD, DPhil, has been Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergy am Biederstein, Technical University of Munich since 1995. In 2005 he was also appointed Consulting Medical Director at the Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Hochgebirgsklinik Davos, Switzerland, and since 2009 he has been Director of Innovative Diagnosis and Therapy at the Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education, Munich-Davos-Zurich. Dr. Ring has more than 40 years' experience in dermatology. He has served as President of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (1993-2002), the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2004-6), the Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (2002-6), and the European Society for Dermatological Research (1989-90). He has served as Editor in Chief of Allergy and Clinical Immunology International and on the boards of various other journals. Dr. Ring is a recipient of the Bavarian State Medal for Environment and Health, the Erich Fuchs Award, and the Clemens von Pirquet Award. He has organized various major congresses, including the World Allergy Congress in 2005, with 7000 participants. Dr. Ring has published more than 600 original articles and more than 400 review articles and has authored or edited 25 books, including some as sole author.