IDEAS OF ECZEMA, ASTHMA, AND ATOPY

• Although our knowledge of host-susceptibility factors to atopy is incomplete, numerous conclusions can be put forth:

• Outermost epithelial proteins of the skin/mucosa are critically involved

• Loss of barrier functions promote atopy

• There is a protective effect from microbial exposures early in childhood

• Environment and genetics interact

• Microorganisms interact with genes