Atopic dermatitis is common in childhood. For infants it affects the cheeks, limbs, and trunk, only affecting flexor surfaces as kids age. Here are five key takeaways for managing atopic dermatitis in infants:
Differentiate atopic dermatitis from other common similar rashes like seborrheic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis
Liberal use of moisturizers twice daily helps manage symptoms and prevent flares
Use topical corticosteroids at the lowest effective potency. Once daily applications are as effective as twice daily usage while reducing side effects and cost
Use the “Get control, keep control approach”! Treat acute flares with moderate or potent topical steroids, followed by maintenance therapy with lower potency topical steroids or topical pimecrolimus
Monitor for secondary bacterial infections and treat systemic infections with oral antibiotics
Bonus: Food avoidances may not improve atopic dermatitis but may increase risk of food allergies. The CPS recommends introduction of allergenic foods starting at 6 months old.
Reference:
Anna Whalen-Browne, Hywel C. Williams and Derek K. Chu
CMAJ November 07, 2022 194 (43) E1485; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.212094
Image:
Eisfelder at German Wikipedia. - Transferred from de.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3682825
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