Atopic Dermatitis: Systemic Immunosuppressive Therapy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic, relapsing skin disorder that negatively impacts the
quality of life of those affected and that of their families. Treatment options for AD
encompass a variety of emollients, topical corticosteroids, topical immunomodulators,
phototherapy, and systemic agents. Such agents as systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporine,
azathioprine, interferon-, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil have been shown
to be efficacious in the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD but are not officially approved
for this purpose. In this article, we review some of the data supporting efficacy of these
medications and discuss some of the adverse events associated with their use.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 27:151-155 © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic, relapsing skin disorder that negatively impacts the
quality of life of those affected and that of their families. Treatment options for AD
encompass a variety of emollients, topical corticosteroids, topical immunomodulators,
phototherapy, and systemic agents. Such agents as systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporine,
azathioprine, interferon-, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil have been shown
to be efficacious in the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD but are not officially approved
for this purpose. In this article, we review some of the data supporting efficacy of these
medications and discuss some of the adverse events associated with their use.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 27:151-155 © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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