Antibiotic therapy in atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

The pathogenetic role of Staphylococcus aureus (S.a.) in atopic dermatitis (AD) and the therapeutic implications related with this infectious agent are matters particu­larly debated by the experts. Some Authors sup­port the idea that S.a. has a fundamental relevan­ce in the evolution of the disease and conse­quently they are in favour of an antiseptic treat­ment of this condition. Another group of experts consider S.a. a secondary host and support the view that its penetration is caused by alterations of the barrier properties of skin. They also sug­gest that this agent may cause complications only in a small percentage of AD subjects. This argument has theoretical and practical implica­tions which will be discussed in this article.