View Point - Eat dirt and avoid atopy: The hygiene hypothesis revisited

The explosive rise in the incidence of atopic diseases in the Western developed countries can be explained on the basis of the so-called "hygiene hypothesis". In short, it attributes the rising incidence of atopic dermatitis to reduced exposure to various childhood infections and bacterial...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inIndian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology Vol. 73; no. 1
Main Author Patki Anil
Format Journal Article
Published India Medknow Publications on behalf of The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) 10.03.2007
Subjects
Atopic dermatitis
Hygiene hypothesis
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Summary:The explosive rise in the incidence of atopic diseases in the Western developed countries can be explained on the basis of the so-called "hygiene hypothesis". In short, it attributes the rising incidence of atopic dermatitis to reduced exposure to various childhood infections and bacterial endotoxins. Reduced exposure to dirt in the clean environment results in a skewed development of the immune system which results in an abnormal allergic response to various environmental allergens which are otherwise innocuous. This article reviews the historical aspects, epidemiological and immunological basis of the hygiene hypothesis and implications for Indian conditions.
ISSN:0378-6323