In guidelines issued by the American Academy of Dermatology and published online Jan. 11 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , updated recommendations are presented for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults.

Robert Sidbury, M.D., M.P.H., from the University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, and colleagues conducted a systematic review to provide evidence-based recommendations related to management of AD in adults using topical treatments.

A total of 11 recommendations were developed on management of AD in adults with topical therapies. Strong recommendations were made for use of moisturizers, use of the topical calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus 0.03 or 0.1 percent and pimecrolimus 1 percent cream for AD and for mild-to-moderate AD, respectively, and topical corticosteroids for adults with AD. In addition, to reduce disease flares and relapse, intermittent use of medium-potency topical corticosteroids is strongly recommended as maintenance therapy (two times/week). The topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor crisaborole and Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib are also strongly recommended for mild-to-moderate AD.

"While atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, it can be controlled with proper treatment," Sidbury said in a statement. "A plan created by a board-certified dermatologist can help ease symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and prevent it from worsening. Topical treatments remain one of the most popular options due to their effective track record and overall safety."

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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