[Problems presented by the genetics of atopic dermatitis].

The role of heredity in atopic dermatitis has been known since the 19th century. However, the method of transmission has not been clarified. Studies in twins have been the most interesting and show a greater risk of monozygotes. The work shows a relationship between HLA and atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is truly a multifactorial illness, the development of which depends not only on one, but several genetic systems, which may be independent or perhaps acting together, and also on environmental factors of which the influence is predominant.