Williamson S, et al. - In this investigation, researchers reviewed present data on pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis (AD), characterized by an impaired skin barrier function and abnormal immune response, in the elderly population and identified areas with inadequate information to be explored in future research. They conducted a systematic review of published literature that evaluated changes in the skin barrier and immune function with ageing and current information available for doctors to use in the diagnosis and treatment of AD in elderly patients. In addition to increased Staphylococcus aureus infection, many age-related changes overlap with key hallmarks observed in AD, most notably a decline in skin barrier function, dysregulation of the innate immune system, and skewing of adaptive immunity to a type-2 T helper cell response. While general physiological changes with ageing overlap with key AD characteristics, there is a research gap in specific ageing-related changes in the development of AD disease. In order to develop strong diagnostic and treatment methodologies, more understanding of AD in the elderly is required.