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Tapinarof Versus Crisaborole for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Wejdan Alhusaini1, Sara Alghamdi2, Waad Almutairy3
1Pediatrics Infectious Diseases Consultant, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Crisaborole and tapinarof are effective nonsteroidal treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD). This review found no significant differences in safety or efficacy between these two topical medications for mild-to-moderate AD.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition impacting quality of life.
- Nonsteroidal topical agents like crisaborole and tapinarof offer alternatives to corticosteroids for AD management.
- These agents provide targeted anti-inflammatory effects with potentially fewer systemic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare the safety and efficacy of crisaborole versus tapinarof.
- To evaluate these nonsteroidal treatments in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search identified 24 studies from 510 initial records.
- Included studies comprised a pooled sample of 8,218 patients.
- Efficacy was assessed using Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI); safety was based on adverse event incidence.
Main Results:
- 61% of crisaborole patients and 49% of tapinarof patients achieved ISGA 0-1 (P=0.192).
- 60% of crisaborole patients and 66% of tapinarof patients showed EASI improvement (P=0.293).
- No statistically significant differences in efficacy or safety were observed between the two treatments; rare severe events and discontinuations occurred for both.
Conclusions:
- Both crisaborole and tapinarof demonstrate safe and effective management for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
- The choice between crisaborole and tapinarof can be individualized based on patient preference, tolerability, and specific clinical situations.
- Further research may explore long-term outcomes and comparative effectiveness in diverse patient populations.
Introduction:
A chronic inflammatory skin ailment marked by pruritus and eczematous lesions, atopic dermatitis (AD) greatly lowers patient quality of life. Alternatives to corticosteroids have surfaced in nonsteroidal topical medicines such crisaborole and tapinarof, which provide focused antiinflammatory effects with fewer general adverse effects.
Objective:
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess and compare the safety and efficacy profiles of crisaborole and tapinarof in the management of mild-to-moderate AD.
Methodology:
A search of several databases produced 510 studies; after removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, 24 studies, including a pooled sample of 8,218 patients (average age 17.5 years), were included. Using the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), efficacy outcomes were evaluated; safety was based on incidence of adverse events.
Results:
Among 1,164 patients receiving crisaborole, 61% (95% CI: 44-76%) achieved ISGA 0-1; In the tapinarof group, 49% (95% CI: 43-55%) achieved the outcome, with no statistically significant difference observed (χ2 = 1.70, P = 0.192). Similarly, 60% (95% CI: 55-65%) of crisaborole patients and 66% (95% CI: 53-82%) of those on tapinarof showed EASI improvement with no significant variation (chi=1.11, P=0.293). In the tapinarof group, 49% (95% CI: 43-55%) achieved the outcome, with no statistically significant difference observed (χ2 = 1.70, P = 0.192). Rare severe events and therapy discontinuation occurred for both drugs.
Conclusion:
Mild-to-moderate AD may be effectively and safely managed with either crisaborole or tapinarof. With no major efficacy or safety differences, treatment choice can be guided by patient preference, tolerability, and clinical context.
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