Can microbial superantigens influence atopic dermatitis flares?

Chem Immunol Allergy. 2012:96:73-76. doi: 10.1159/000331887. Epub 2012 Mar 13.

Abstract

Although atopic dermatitis is accepted as a chronic and recurrent dermatitis, it is clear that several acute flares are due to superficial but not clearly infectious colonization of the skin by bacteria or mold. This short article provides a brief overview of (nearly all) the evidence concerning the possible mechanism of action of this phenomenon.

MeSH terms

  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Malassezia / immunology
  • Malassezia / metabolism
  • Staphylococcus aureus / immunology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / metabolism
  • Superantigens / immunology*

Substances

  • Superantigens