Abstract: Objectives To study the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and eczema,and the changes of serum levels of IL-4 and INF-γ with topical treatment of corticosteroid plus antibiotic cream or corticosteroid cream alone. Methods Serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results Serum levels of IL-4 and INF-γ were significantly higher in the patients with atopic dermatitis and eczema than those in the normal controls,respectively(both P<0.05).In the study group after a 28-day treatment with corticosteroid plusantibiotic cream,serum levels were significantly decreased for IL-4 (P<0.05)and were no changes for INF-γ.Neither of the two cytokines was changed after the treatment in the controls. Conclusions Both atopic derm atitis and eczema are characterised by abnormality in serum levels of circulatin g IL-4 and INF-γ.Treatment with corticosteroid plus antibiotic creamseems more effective,which might influence serum IL-4 level,than that with corticostero id cream alone in atopic dermatitis and eczema.

Key words: Interferon type Ⅱ, Interleukin-4, Dermatitis, atopic, Eczema