Innovative therapeutics in pediatric dermatology.
Although clinical trials for new drugs are often limited in children because of safety concerns or restrictions, new therapies or novel strategies with old drugs have recently expanded dermatologic armamentarium for pediatric patients. Oral propranolol is currently the first choice in the treatment of alarming infantile hemangiomas. In atopic dermatitis, proactive strategy with topical calcineurin inhibitors can safely prevent disease exacerbation. Tacrolimus, in particular, is also useful for the treatment of vitiligo occurring in sensitive areas such as the eyelids. Among biologic drugs, use of etanercept is safe and efficient in children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Engineered tissues with special antimicrobial properties (silver-coated fabrics or engineered silk) are now used to treat eczema and fungal diseases in children. In athlete's foot, the use of 5-finger socks can also be helpful.
Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Dermatologic Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. carlo.gelmetti@unimi.it
Carlo
C
Gelmetti
Adina
A
Frasin
Lucia
L
Restano
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000235:genetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011433:Propranolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D035703:Therapies, Investigational; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000188:drug therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011433:Propranolol; D016559:Tacrolimus