[Atopic dermatitis as a term and a disease].

Basing on the literature data and their own clinical experience, the authors consider atopic dermatitis as skin manifestations of hereditary atopic constitution. They distinguish 5 clinical forms of the condition, emphasizing the age succession (phase pattern) of the clinical and morphologic picture of the dermatosis. Attention is called to the fact that atopic dermatitis may be a part of the clinical picture of many syndromes. The authors hope that the present discussion will minimize the confusion in the terminology of this disease.