Review of Atopic Dermatitis and Topical Therapies

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders in the developed world, affecting up to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults. This review concisely explains the pathophysiology and epidemiology of atopic dermatitis, as well as potential challenges facing its successful treatment. Furthe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2017-05, Vol.21 (3), p.227-236
Main Authors: Mayba, Julia N., Gooderham, Melinda J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Topical
Calcineurin Inhibitors - therapeutic use
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, Atopic - drug therapy
Dermatitis, Atopic - epidemiology
Dermatitis, Atopic - physiopathology
Dermatologic Agents - therapeutic use
Eczema
Glucocorticoids - therapeutic use
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use
Tacrolimus - therapeutic use
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Summary:Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders in the developed world, affecting up to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults. This review concisely explains the pathophysiology and epidemiology of atopic dermatitis, as well as potential challenges facing its successful treatment. Furthermore, mainstay topical treatment modalities are evaluated, such as emollients, topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. The use of topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors in combination is discussed, as studies have indicated encouraging results. The proactive use of topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors is also investigated, in order to bring attention to a new possibility in long-term management of atopic dermatitis. Last, new and upcoming topical medications are described, including Janus kinase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, and benvitimod. Although topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors can be very effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, it is important that practitioners are aware of mechanistically unique and new treatments for patients for whom more traditional topical therapies have failed. Overall, this review article hopes to serve as a comprehensive overview of currently available topical treatments for atopic dermatitis, while shedding light on new treatments coming in the future.
ISSN:1203-4754
1615-7109
DOI:10.1177/1203475416685077