Pathophysiology and Management of Mild to Moderate Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by relapsing pruritic and dry, scaly lesions. AD affects 10% to 20% of children in the United States and significantly affects the quality of life of patients and their families. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for the management of AD symptoms. As many as 70% of patients with mild to moderate disease can be managed by a PCP, underscoring the need for these providers to understand basic AD pathophysiology and current standards of care. This article will discuss the basic principles of AD diagnosis and management that PCPs need to optimize patient care, including AD pathogenesis, appropriate use of currently available topical therapies, basic skin care practices, and patient/caregiver counseling points. This article is sponsored by Spire Learning and supported by an educational grant from Pfizer Inc.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; corticosteroid; eczema; emollient; skin barrier; topical immunomodulatory.