SUMMARY
Objective. The aim of the study is to examine data of scientific literature on the effect of oxidative stress on the course of allergic dermatitis, with special attention to atopic dermatitis.
Methods. The search and analysis of scientific literature was performed using the medical database PubMed and specialized search engine Google Scholar. Analyzed scientific articles were published from 2014 to 2024 in English.
Literature review. Oxidative stress is an important factor in the pathogenesis and progression of allergic dermatitis. It is described as an imbalace between production and neutralization of oxidants. The most common oxidants in oxidative stress are reactive oxygen species. The direct effects of reactive oxygen species can be assessed by measuring the levels of biomarkers such as urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, glutathione and glutathione disulphate. These markers are directly correlated with the severity of allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is a type IV hypersensitivity immune response to a molecule placed on sensitised skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in which immune cells are activated, leading to increased production of immunoglobulin E. Symptoms of allergic dermatitis can be supressed in a number of ways, but few studies have researched how to treat the condition caused by oxidative stress. The impact of oxidative stress on the course of allergic dermatitis is inhibited by antioxidants, such as vitamins, sun protection, coenzyme Q10, a balanced diet, melatonin and flavonoids.
Conclusions: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic dermatitis and influences the severity and progression of the disease. This topic is widely discussed in modern research, discovering new biomarkers that influence the course of allergic dermatitis. Further research is required to evaluate the specificities of treatment and disease progression.
