543​

The word eczema is used to describe physical manifestations of AD.¹

1660​

Itch is defined as the unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch.²

1808​

Skin diseases are categorized based on the lesion morphology.^1,3

1845​

Eczema is recognized as a relapsing and chronic condition​

Eczema is acknowledged as a condition that experiences periods of improvement and recurrence over several months.¹​

​

1871​

Acute and chronic eczema are differentiated, and infantile eczema is described​

Clinical course of acute, chronic, and infantile eczema and their comorbidities are explained.^1​

​

1892​

Eczema is the itch that rashes​

Itch established as a first and central manifestation of eczema.⁴

1890-1892​

Germs are postulated to contribute to AD​

Eczema is believed to be caused by germs or chronic parasitic catarrh, treated by eliminating all germs in the deep skin layers.^1​

​

1892​

Initial recognition of genetic predisposition in eczema​

Ernest Besnier’s theory acknowledges the hereditary predisposition in people with eczema, linking it to food sensitivities and other systemic manifestations over time.¹

1906​

Allergic sensitization is first described​

The concept of allergy is developed to represent altered reactivity to harmless substances.¹​

​

1923​

Atopy is described and builds upon the concept of allergy​

The concept of atopy, meaning without place, is developed.^1​

​

1933​

The term Atopic Dermatitis is first coined​

The term Atopic Dermatitis is developed to explain infantile eczema that develops in an individual with a family history of atopy.¹  

1980​

Formal AD diagnostic criteria are developed​

These criteria include 4 major features and various minor features, with the requirement that patients must show​

≥3 major features AND ≥3 minor features to be diagnosed with AD.¹​

Major features are (1) pruritus, (2) personal or family history of atopy, (3) characteristic morphology and distribution, and (4) chronicity of lesions.^1​

Minor features include (1) early age of onset, (2) high levels of serum IgE, (3) existence of infraorbital lines,​

(4) xerosis, and (5) hyperlinear palms.¹

1997​

Risk factors for AD development are identified​

Risk factors are (1) history of pruritic skin changes, (2) personal history of asthma, (3) history of xerosis,​

(4) visible flexural dermatitis, (5) history of flexural dermatitis, and (6) age of onset younger than 2 years.¹