• Atopic dermatitis is a genetically determined skin disease that is strongly influenced by environmental factors. The skin of affected patients is usually colonized by large numbers of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These bacteria may aggravate atopic dermatitis or prevent resolution of the disease. The deleterious effects of S aureus on atopic dermatitis may be due to direct biologic action or may be due to indirect damage mediated by the immune and inflammatory systems.
(Arch Dermatol 1983;119:840-846)