The role of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic eczema

The colonization of lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with atopic eczema with Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important trigger factors for the se verity and exacerbation frequency of the disease. Atopic skin is preferentially prone to bind S. aureus, and this binding is followed by a perpetual stimulation of the immune system mainly by staphylococcal su-perantigens. This leads to enhanced T-cell homing as well as increased IgE synthesis. Furthermore, in atopic skin there is a reduced production of crucial skin defense peptides such as LL-37, HBD-2, and HBD3. Consequently, control of staphylococcal colonization by various therapeutic strategies has become a mainstay of management of atopic eczema.