: Ointments and creams are generally superior to lotions for barrier repair. Newer formulations may include ceramides or filaggrin breakdown products.
The foundation of AD therapy is repairing the skin barrier to reduce triggers and prevent flares.
Management of atopic dermatitis (AD) has evolved from simple symptom relief to a multi-tiered approach focused on barrier repair, inflammation control, and targeted systemic therapies.
Prescription topicals are used for acute flare control and proactive maintenance.
: A topical JAK inhibitor recently approved for short-term control. 3. Phototherapy
: The first-line therapy for flares. They range from low to ultra-high potency, with selection based on patient age and affected body site (e.g., low-potency for the face).
Narrowband UVB (311 nm) or UVA1 phototherapy serves as an adjuvant for moderate-to-severe disease that is refractory to topicals. It has antimicrobial effects and modulates the skin's immune response.
Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment - PMC
