Systemic therapy of paediatric atopic dermatitis: An update

Topical therapies are the mainstay in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and are effective in the majority of patients with mild and localized disease. In patients with widespread or recalcitrant moderate to severe dermatitis, systemic therapies may be required. The frequently used systemic therapies are immunosuppressants, immune response modifiers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and antibiotics. In this article, the indications and scientific support for the use of these medications is reviewed.