A Review of Eczema: Current Therapies and Emerging Treatments

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic relapsing skin disease characterized by pruritus, disruption of the epidermal barrier function, and immunoglobulin E-mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens, which can lead to morbidity. Eczema is not always easy to control and every physician should know the essential principles of treatment. Symptoms, such as inflamed papules, plaques, and itching, and associated consequences, such as sleep disturbances, can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patient and his family. Basic pharmacological treatment includes topical corticosteroids. Twice daily or more frequent application has not been shown to be more effective than once daily application. Maintenance treatment with topical corticosteroids may help prevent relapse in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are able to inhibit T-cell activation, thereby reducing inflammation.