Atopic Dermatitis: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapeutic Strategies

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.