The Atopic Dermatitis: History of Theory, Practical Basis and Classification From Beginning of Era to International Classification of Diseases: Publications Review

The alarming trend in modern epidemiology of atopic dermatitis is omnipresent steady increase in its prevalence making the problem relevant. The purpose of the study is to shed light on historical aspects of development of ideas about atopic dermatitis and differences in classification approach. The search of publications was carried out in such Internet databases as Scopus, MedLine, еLibrary, Google Scholar according keywords atopic dermatitis, pathophysiology, history, classification. The study of etiology and pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis at different levels took thousands years. The theories and concepts of atopy and allergy were developed. The IgE and its key role in development of immune mediated diseases was discovered. The term atopic dermatitis was introduced. including its diagnostic criteria and classification. The concomitant and unrelated diseases were identified. The definition of dermatitis and eczema as synonyms that can be used to describe picture of inflammatory reaction in skin, histologically characterized by spongiosis with different degrees of acanthosis and presence of superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. The clinical signs (itching, redness, peeling and papulovesicles of the skin) are developed under influence of combination of endogenous and exogenous factors, characterized by recurrent course and worsen quality of life of patients. The dermatitis and eczema requires identical approaches to treatment and prevention. Over the millennia, many scientists, physicians and dermatological schools contributed into description of pathophysiology and clinic of this disease that is important to be studied in order to understand modern concept and classification.