An update on current pharmacotherapy options in atopic dermatitis.

Introduction: New knowledge on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) gives us new treatment options. This review emphasizes long-term treatment results.Areas covered: This study includes basic pathogenic factors in AD and presents present and future treatment options. Topical corticosteroids treat the inflammation effectively short term. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) show better benefit/risk ratio in long-term treatment. For topical treatment, an effective maintenance treatment results in optimal control of the AD. Of systemic immunosuppressive treatments, efficacy has been shown with azathioprine, ciclosporin, methotrexate and mycophenolate-free sodium. With these compounds, the treatment outcome was ∼ 50% improvement in clinical signs compared with baseline. New treatments under study include systemic compounds, which suppress the T helper type 2 cells. The importance of adherence to treatment is often overlooked, although it has a major impact on treatment outcome. For the present review, ...