Regina Folster-Holst
University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Keynote: Clin Pediatr Dermatol
The clinical phenotype of atopic dermatitis (AD) results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, which influence the epidermal structure and function, as well as the immune system. In addition, neurogenic disturbances and loss of the diversity of microbiome (intestinal and cutaneous) are causes of exacerbation. Epidermal barrier defects seem to be a hallmark of pathogenesis of AD. The quality of the skin barrier can be assessed by using a new semiquantitative method to measure intercellular lipid lamellae. This procedure was used to evaluate the influence of emollients and also the topical application of drugs like corticosteroid and calcineurin inhibitors.
Regina Folster-Holst completed her PhD in 1984 from Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany. After a Medical Assistant time in a children's clinic for Cystic Fibrosis and Allergy at Amrum, Germany, she began her specialist training for dermatologists at the Department of Dermatology, Kiel, Germany, in November 1985. In 1992, she was recognized as a Specialist in Dermatology and Allergology. Her habilitation was in 2003, at the Medical Faculty of the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and the appointment as a Professor took place in 2007. Since 1992, she works as a Senior Physician at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Department of Dermatology in Kiel, Germany. Clinical activity and research are priority for her, primarily in the area of Atopic Dermatitis, Pediatric Dermatology, Exanthems in Childhood and Parasitosis.