AAP Updates Guidelines for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Management

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 19, 2025.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, May 19, 2025 -- In a clinical report published online May 19 in Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics presents updated guidance for the treatment of children with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Noting that many pediatricians may not feel comfortable treating AD or other dermatologic conditions, Jennifer J. Schoch, M.D., from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and colleagues reviewed pediatric AD and provided an up-to-date approach to skin-directed management incorporating recent advances.

The authors note that successful AD treatment involves the triad of maintenance skin care, topical anti-inflammatory medications, and avoidance of triggers. General recommendations for treatment include frequent bathing (daily or every other day) with lukewarm water and gentle cleanser. Products with added fragrance, dyes, or essential oils should be avoided, as they are potential irritants and/or contact allergens. Topical anti-inflammatories, including corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, should be applied once to twice daily to active eczema patches; unless specifically instructed, topical medications should not be mixed with topical emollients, as this dilutes the potency of the medication. Dupilumab and Janus kinase inhibitors are emerging treatments for AD. In patients with AD, moisturizers should be applied liberally to the entire body skin surface at least daily, especially after a bath or shower. Flare can be reduced with reduction of triggers and proactive treatment with topical anti-inflammatories. Patients with severe, recalcitrant, and/or complicated AD should be referred to subspecialists.

"Ongoing collaboration between pediatric primary care providers and AD specialists can optimize care for patients with complex AD," the authors write.

One author disclosed ties to Janssen Biotech and Exactech.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords