Old, new, and emerging therapies for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory condition, especially prominent in pediatric populations. The pruritic, cyclical course can be disabling and causes a significant emotional and financial burden. Therapy has been notoriously unsatisfactory. Conflicting objectives in skin care versus allergy treatment, in bathing and moisturizing and in use of topical corticosteroids, have greatly complicated management and patient education. New developments in topical and systemic agents including nonsteroidal options are beginning to provide new hope for patients with this frustrating disorder.