Synopses & Reviews
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an increasingly common skin disease, but its distribution, frequency, and underlying causes have not yet been systematically reviewed in depth. Atopic Dermatitis takes an original look at the epidemiology of the disorder, its prevalence and possible causes. This unique volume draws on international experts from dermatology, epidemiology, pediatrics, and immunology. As an allergic disease, atopic dermatitis has much in common with other allergies and this comprehensive resource sheds new light on the mechanisms that underlie the allergic response. This wide-ranging reference will be invaluable for all involved in the treatment or study of atopic dermatitis.
Review
"The editor and contributors definitely fill a niche in the current literature written about atopic dermatitis. Their critical appraisal of the study designs makes you realize there is a paucity of good double-blind placebo controlled studies on which we base our ideas and treatment of atopy. In fact, readers will find they learn less 'hard facts' about the subject and more about the 'assumptions' we call truth in this book. I am not aware of other books in the field in which the epidemiology of this disease is covered so comprehensively. I think the book is well-written and specialists in the field will find it informative." Doody's Review Service ®"By approaching atopic dermatitis in a novel way, this text raises useful questions that are sure to leave even the most experienced practitioners with new insights into this common disorder...The end product is a book that is consistently readable, and which is sure to advance the cause of better understanding, management, and treatment of a disorder that afflicts so many people." The Lancet"Certainly it has a place in the library of all dermatology departments and should be compulsory reading for anyone embarking on research in this area. It provides an eminently sensible exposition of a complex disorder." The Australian Journal of Dermatology"This is an excellent book...of interest to anyone dealing with patients with this common disorder and to researchers in the fields of epidemiology, genetics and immunology of atopic disorders." Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology"...absolutely everything you've ever wanted to know about dermatitis. You won't need another book on the subject...highly recommended." Practice Nursing
Table of Contents
Preface; Foreword; Part I. The Nature of the Problem: 1. What is atopic dermatitis, and how should it be defined in epidemiological studies? H. Williams; 2. The pathophysiology and clinical features of atopic dermatitis C. Archer; 3. The natural history of atopic dermatitis H. Williams and B. Wüthrich; 4. Occupational consequences of atopic dermatitis P. J. Coenraads and T. Diepgen; Part II. Descriptive Studies which Indicate the Size of the Problem: 5. Geographical studies of atopic dermatitis N. McNally and D. Philips; 6. The morbidity and cost of atopic dermatitis R. Herd; 7. Is the prevalence of atopic dermatitis increasing? T. Diepgen; Part III. Analytical Studies which Point to Causes of Atopic Dermatitis: 8. Genetic epidemiology of atopic dermatitis F. S. Larsen; 9. Foetal and perinatal origins of atopic dermatitis K. Godfrey; 10. Socioeconomic factors and atopic dermatitis N. McNally and D. Philips; 11. The 'old mother' hypothesis A. B. Olesen and K. Thestrup-Pederson; 12. The possible role of environmental pollution T. Schäfer and J. Ring; 13. Migrant studies H. Williams and C. Burrell-Morris; 14. The role of house dust mite H. Kolmer and T. Platts-Mills; 15. Dietary factors in atopic dermatitis T. David, L. Patel, C. Ewing and R. H. Stanton; Part IV. Intervention Studies: 16. Prevention of atopic dermatitis A. Mar and R. Marks; Part V. Lessons from Other Fields: 17. Parallels with the epidemiology of asthma and hay fever D. Strachan; 18. Recent developments in atopic diseases in animals S. Shaw and M. Day; Part VI. Conclusions: 19. The future research agenda H. Williams; Index.