Our understanding of the pathology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is progressing gradually, in relation to both barrier function and the immune system. In recent years, significant progress has been made in methods to both prevent and manage AD. Especially in adults, more targeted therapies are emerging, including biological agents. The analysis of patient-specific endotypes is also progressing, and these findings provide new insights that will guide further development of novel molecular-targeted drugs. With the increasing complexity of emerging treatment strategies, the era has come for pediatricians to better understand the pathology of AD.

One of the most widely studied topics in recent years is the relationship of the microbiome to disease onset and modification. In addition to the gut microbiome, knowledge related to the skin microbiome in children has been increasing. With regard to the prevention of AD onset, the 2014 reports on disease prevention by application of emollients from Japan and the UK caused a paradigm shift around the world. Even now, this safe and medically economical intervention remains an area of great interest, and large-scale clinical researchs are ongoing globally.