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Atopic dermatitis. Perspectives on a manageable disease.
1Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. afleisch@wfubmc.edu
Postgraduate Medicine
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Atopic dermatitis can be managed effectively, though some cases need advanced treatments like phototherapy. Further research into its immune basis may lead to novel therapies for this skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition with no definitive cure.
- Current treatments include topical corticosteroids, but some patients have resistant disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for atopic dermatitis.
- To highlight the potential for new therapies based on immunologic understanding.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on atopic dermatitis treatment.
- Discussion of immunologic pathways involved in the disease.
Main Results:
- Topical corticosteroids are effective for most patients.
- Phototherapy and potent immunosuppressive agents are options for recalcitrant cases.
Conclusions:
- Atopic dermatitis management is successful in most patients.
- Understanding the immunology of atopic dermatitis is key to developing future treatments.