Pediatr. praxi. 2014;15(5):257-263

Atopic dermatitis - what´s new?

doc.MUDr.Růžena Pánková, CSc.

Dermatovenerologická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN Praha

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, itchy, inflammatory multifactorial disease that can occur at any age. The clinical manifestations

of AD vary considerably and change with the age of the patient (atopic march). Infant, child, adolescent, and adult phases are distinguished.

In the infant phase, AD affects the scalp, face, and extensor surface of the limbs. If it presents with erythroderma, differential diagnosis

must be performed in order to rule out metabolic disorders and immunodeficiency. Early occurrence of AD predisposes to the development

of extrinsic AD. Current research into the genetic, immunological, and epidemiological properties of AD is a source of new knowledge that

will gradually be applied in treating and preventing the disease. Psychosomatic approach to the patient and education of parents are part

of the treatment that should result in managing AD and improving the quality of life of the patient as well as that of the family. The treatment

algorithm for mild and moderate AD recommends topical corticosteroids in the short term followed by a switch to treatment with

topical calcineurin inhibitors. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus do not cause skin atrophy and are recommended for treating the manifestations

of atopic dermatitis in areas with sensitive skin. Controlled studies in adults and children confirm that early treatment with topical calcineurin

inhibitors can slow down the progression of the disease, prolong the interval between exacerbations of atopic dermatitis, suppress pruritus

rapidly, and markedly improve the quality of life in both patients with active disease and those on maintenance therapy.

mild and moderate AD.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis, difference in children and adults, atopic march, topical calcineurin inhibitors in treatment algorithm for

Published: October 25, 2014  Show citation