Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a T helper 2-mediated chronic infammatory skin disease that afects children and adults. Patients
with AD are prone to recurrent infections of the skin and other organs, which can severely worsen the disease course. This
review summarises the current evidence on the aetiology, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of infections in patients
with AD. PubMed was searched for English-language research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and guidelines
published until February 2023 using the key term “atopic dermatitis” and terms relevant to infections. Patients with AD
have an increased risk of bacterial, viral and fungal infections of the skin, mainly due to impaired barrier function, altered
immune response and frequent scratching. The most common pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex
virus, which can cause impetigo, folliculitis, abscesses, eczema herpeticum and other complications. They also appear to
increase susceptibility to systemic infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections and sepsis. Certain systemic
treatments for AD, such as mycophenolate mofetil and Janus kinase inhibitors, increase the risk of viral infections. Prevention
and treatment of recurrent infections in patients with AD require a multifaceted approach that includes topical and systemic
antimicrobials, skin care and efective control of AD symptoms (to break the itch–scratch cycle). Preventing and limiting
the development of infections are important considerations in choosing an AD treatment
