From atopic dermatitis to asthma: the atopic march

The mechanisms by which allergen exposure through the epidermis can initiate systemic allergy and predispose individuals to atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma have become clearer in recent years. Longitudinal studies of individuals carrying loss-of-function filaggrin gene mutations are needed to further define the risks associated with epidermal barrier dysfunction and potentially identify specific targets for barrier repair and prevention of atopic dermatitis and other atopic disease. The effects of preventive and treatment strategies have been inconsistent across studies, and further research is warranted before any definitive recommendations can be made.