ABSTRACT
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with cutaneous hyperreactivity to environmental triggers. Atopic dermatitis is often the first step in the "atopic march, " which leads to asthma and allergic rhinitis in the majority of patients. Many allergic and non-allergic triggers impact the clinical course of AD through stimulation of immunologic mediators and cell types in the skin of affected individuals. Allergic triggers of AD include hypersensitivity responses to foods, aeroallergens and microorganisms. Non- allergic triggers include factors such as climate, irritants, infection, psychosocial stressors and occupational exposures. This review will focus on triggers of atopic dermatitis and the clinical diagnosis and management of disease.