Atopisch

Atopisch is a German adjective used in medical language to describe something related to atopy or the atopic tendency. In practice, the word is applied to diseases that occur more frequently in individuals with atopy, such as atopic dermatitis (also known as neurodermatitis), allergic rhinitis, asthma, and some food allergies. Atopy is a hereditary predisposition to develop IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. It most commonly presents in childhood but can persist into adulthood.

In clinical use, atopisch is not a disease name by itself but a descriptor. For example, atopische Dermatitis denotes the inflammatory skin condition typical of atopic individuals, characterized by itch, recurrent eczematous lesions, and skin barrier dysfunction. Pathophysiology involves impaired skin barrier function (often due to filaggrin gene defects), a skewed Th2 immune response with elevated IgE, and environmental triggers. Diagnosis is based on history and examination, with consideration of personal and family atopy; testing for IgE antibodies may support but is not always required.

Management focuses on skin barrier restoration and avoidance of triggers: regular emollient use, gentle skin care, and anti-inflammatory treatment such as topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors for flares. Treat comorbid atopic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis) according to standard guidelines. Prognosis varies; many children improve over time, while some have persistent disease or develop other atopic disorders.

Etymology: atopos from Greek meaning misplaced; the term entered medical language in the 19th century to denote predisposition to allergic disease.