Review: Traditional Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Current topical treatment of atopic dermatitis includes topical corticosteroids (CS), topical immunomodulators (TIM), and over-the-counter emollients.¹ Many of these treatments can be used concomitantly. Prior guidelines for treatment were based primarily on the "inside-out" view of atopic dermatitis. Reliance on topical steroids or TIMs reflects the under-appreciation of the central role of the skin barrier , and under-awareness of new treatment options that correct the primary skin barrier defects in atopic dermatitis.

Prior Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

1. Eichenfield LF, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;49:1088-95.