Key Features

Atopic dermatitis in infants and children has been studied in details in the Western literature but there is lesser literature on this disease from the developing world. However, it remains a disease which significantly decreases the quality of life of the affected children as well as their parents and can remain a cause of loss of school days and economic burden. 

Treatment is aimed at decreasing the dryness of the skin as well as to reduce the pruritus in the patients. Clinical manifestations of the disease can vary in different countries as also among children and adults. Recognition of minor features of the disease as well as atypical features are also important. Over several decades, the mainstay of treatment remains moisturizers, topical steroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. However, only recently, there is an excitement at the introduction of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, crisabarole, a janus kinase inhibitor, tofacinib, and an FDA approved biological, dupilumab. Of course these still need to be evaluated over time. 

However, one must also tactfully use age old treatment, combining it skilfully with newer advances to improve the life of the affected child. One also must give adequate information regarding general measures to be used in the child.