Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects 10% to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults in the US. Symptoms often result in
sleeplessness, psychological stress, poor self-esteem, anxiety, and poor school or work performance. The cost of
atopic dermatitis is estimated to be US$0.9 to 3.8 billion every year. Topical
steroids are first-line treatment for
atopic dermatitis, and recent advances in vehicle technologies have resulted in improved patient tolerability and compliance. Topical
calcineurin inhibitors are also safe and effective topical treatments for
atopic dermatitis, and provide an additional therapeutic option for patients with this disease. Systemic
immunomodulators are used in the treatment of severe refractory disease.
Cyclosporine,
methotrexate,
azathioprine,
mycophenolate mofetil, and
interferon gamma have been used in the management of severe
atopic dermatitis. This review highlights the current and emerging trends in the treatment of
atopic dermatitis.