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Source: Law RM, Kwa PG.
Atopic Dermatitis. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR,
Wells BG, Posey LM, eds. Pharmacotherapy:
A Pathophysiologic Approach. 8th ed. http://accesspharmacy.com/content.aspx?aid=7999376.
Accessed May 27, 2012.
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- Chronic, inflammatory skin eruption associated with red
patches and intense itching; usually begins in infancy and may continue
into adult life.
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- Genetic, environmental, and immunologic mechanisms
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- Affects 15–30% of children and 2–10% of
adults in developed countries.
- Prevalence has increased over past 3 decades.
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- Family history of atopic diseases (e.g., hay fever, asthma)
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- Neuropeptides, irritation, or scratching causes release
of proinflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes.
- Alternatively, allergens in epidermal barrier or in food may
cause T-cell mediated reactions.
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- Presentation depends on age.
- In infancy, erythematous, patchy, pruritic, papular skin rash
may first appear on cheeks and chin and progress to red, scaling,
oozing lesions. Affects malar region of the cheeks, forehead, scalp, chin,
and behind ears while sparing nose and paranasal creases. Lesions
spread over several weeks to extensor surfaces of the lower legs
(due to crawling); may involve entire body except diaper area and
nose.
- In childhood, skin often appears dry, flaky, rough, and cracked;
scratching may cause bleeding and lichenification.
- In adults, lesions are more diffuse with underlying erythema.
The face is commonly involved; may be dry and scaly. Lichenification
may be seen.
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Means of Confirmation
and Diagnosis
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- Based primarily on patient history, signs, and symptoms.
- Family or personal history of asthma, hay fever, or other
atopic diseases
- Dry and flaky skin with pruritus
- Early age of onset
- Chronic and relapsing courses
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- Allergy skin testing may help identify factors that trigger
flares.
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Differential
Diagnosis
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- Relieve symptoms.
- Prevent recurrences.
- Avoid adverse treatment effects.
- Improve quality of life.
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- Give lukewarm baths to infants and children.
- Apply lubricants/moisturizers immediately after bathing.
- Use scent-free moisturizers liberally each day.
- Keep fingernails short.
- Select clothing made of soft cotton fabrics.
- Consider sedating oral antihistamines to reduce scratching
at night.
- Avoid situations that cause overheating.
- Learn to recognize skin infections and seek treatment promptly.
- Identify and remove irritants and allergens.
- Phototherapy may be attempted for dermatitis not controlled
by calcineurin inhibitors. It may also permit use of lower-potency
corticosteroids or eliminate need for corticosteroids.
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- Topical Corticosteroids
- Use low-potency
agents (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%) on face, and medium-potency
products (e.g., betamethasone valerate 0.1%) for body.
- Avoid potent fluorinated corticosteroids on face, genitalia,
and intertriginous areas, and in infants.
- Use mid-strength and high-potency corticosteroids for short-term
management of exacerbations.
- Reserve ultra-high and high-potency agents (e.g., betamethasone
dipropionate 0.05%, clobetasone propionate 0.05%)
for short-term treatment of lichenified lesions in adults.
- May use a lower-potency agent for maintenance if needed after
lesions have improved substantially.
- Topical Immunomodulators
- Recommended as second-line
treatments due to concerns about possible cancer risk. Use sunscreen
with sun protection ...