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Odontogenic focal infection could be partly involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis as exacerbating factor.

Igawa K, Nishioka K, Yokozeki H

Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. k.igawa.derm@tmd.ac.jp

BACKGROUND: A focal infection has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, but, to date, not atopic dermatitis (AD). The objective of the study was to clarify whether the odontogenic focal infection (OFI) could be recognized as one of the exacerbating factors in AD. METHODS: Forty-three patients with AD whose skin conditions were resistant to conventional therapy were examined. An OFI was evaluated by using radiographs. Serum IgE/sCD30 levels were also examined. Skin condition was evaluated by the eczema area and severity index (EASI). RESULTS: Odontogenic focal infection was detected in 13 patients (30%) and this incidence was higher than in the normal population. Moreover, a 3-month therapy including dental care improved the skin conditions of patients with OFI better than those without OFI. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that OFI could be involved in the pathogenesis of some types of AD as exacerbating factors.

Published 19 April 2007 in Int J Dermatol, 46(4): 376-9.
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