[Atopic dermatitis: The hygiene hypothesis: Prevention through helminth infections?].

The prevalence of atopic diseases has steadily increased over the past decades. While genetic predisposition remains an important risk factor, environmental conditions appear to be additional relevant trigger factors, leading to the development of the "hygiene hypothesis". Current data indicates that atopic respiratory diseases seem to occur less frequently following helminth infections. This effect may be due to the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines during the helminth infection. In contrast, atopic dermatitis seems to represent a separate entity influenced by more than "allergic sensitization". Recent data demonstrate a reduced risk for the development of atopic dermatitis following helminth infections. Further studies are needed to more closely examine the connections between helminth infections and this chronic skin disease, as well as to identify immunologic pathways.