Atopic dermatitis develops as a result of a complex interrelationship of genetic, environmental, immunologic, and pharmacologic factor. The role of TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is still controversial .PATIENTS &METHOD: TNF-alpha level was measured in 37 AD patients as will as 15 healthy controls using ELISA technique. RESULTS: TNF-alpha found to be significantly increased in the serum of the patients of AD as compared with the normal controls. CONCLUSION: TNF-alpha may have a role in the pathogenesis of AD.