The European and Russian scientific and medical societies have been actively discussing the new viewpoint on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), based on molecular genetics knowledge that "genetic damage" occurs at the level of maturation of the corneal layer of the epidermis (the gene responsible for the production of filaggrin loses its functions) rather than in the immune mechanisms (as it used to be thought previously). Dry skin, or xerosis, is found in 48-98% of patients with atopic dermatitis. In this case, a defect of skin barrier function has conventionally been considered to result from inflammation. When considering the alternative scenario, the disease is caused by the genetically programmed defect of corneal layer barrier, which fails to execute its protective function. Revision of the usual scenario changes the traditional approaches to current therapy of AD. Corneotherapy is a new trend in topical therapy of chronic dermatoses. Atoderm program is a comprehensive solution to the problem of medical care for dry and very dry skin.