[The practice guideline 'Atopic dermatitis' (first revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners: a response from the perspective of general practice].
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that is frequently encountered in general practice. The diagnostic criteria of Williams that the guideline recommends are clear. The reduced role of food-elimination procedures for infants is welcome, since there is little evidence for food allergy as a factor in atopic dermatitis. Rightfully so, the use of topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus is not advised for general practitioners because of uncertainty about the long-term safety. The guideline provides clear instructions for the use of topical steroids. More severe forms of atopic dermatitis can safely be treated by pulse schemes and a step-down approach. In conclusion, the revised practice guideline offers general practitioners a practical and evidence-based tool for the management of atopic dermatitis.
Erasmus MC, afd. Huisartsgeneeskunde, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam. s.koning@erasmusmc.nl
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D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012955:Societies, Medical