Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a highly pruritic inflammatory disorder of the skin characterized by onset in infancy or childhood and a chronically relapsing course. Mainstay treatments are emollients and topical corticosteroids, but the latter are limited by side-effects from longterm use.

Prednicarbate is a nonhalogenated corticosteroid that is used in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, for example atopic dermatitis. It has a favorable benefit-risk ratio, with an inflammatory action similar to that of a medium potency corticosteroid, but with a low potential to cause skin atrophy.

Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic®, Fujisawa) is an effective agent in a class of topical immunomodulators. It has been shown to be safe and effective in adults and children with Atopic Dermatitis in short- and long-term treatments.

The exact mechanism of action of leukotriene receptor antagonists in Atopic Dermatitis is not known. In small clinical and case studies, montelukast was found to be a safe and effective alternative or steroid-sparing therapy in the management of patients with atopic dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is more frequent in the pediatric population and in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) than has hitherto been appreciated. Patch testing, which is mediated by different immune mechanisms than prick skin testing, is both safe and diagnostically useful for individuals with AD.

Pimecrolimus is an immunomodulating medication that inhibits production of inflammatory cytokines in the skin and this compound was specifically developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Herbal remedies are largely unregulated, but often talked about among patients. Many may have scientific merit and clinical benefit, but they are still scientifically invalid and inadequately monitored. Dermatologists need information about herbal remedies to better serve their Atopic Dermatitis patients.