Atopic dermatitis: an overview for the nurse practitioner.
OBJECTIVE
To provide the primary care provider (PCP) with a review of the clinical presentation, aggravating factors, and basic options for treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).


METHODS
Selected scientific literature and clinical experiences of the author.


CONCLUSIONS
AD is a common, chronic skin condition that is frequently seen in both children and adults. Although AD can be challenging to treat, a number of therapeutic options exist to help alleviate the pruritus and rash that accompany the disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
The PCP can manage AD in most patients by prescribing avoidance measures, good skin care, antihistamines, and conservative topical medications. Patients with more severe disease may require aggressive therapies such as phototherapy, balneo-phototherapy, or systemic agents.
Mack
Susan
S
Mavena Derma Center, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. susan_mack@comcast.net
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009824:Ointments; D010789:Phototherapy; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments