title: Atopic dermatitis: Kids are not just little people.
abstract: The approach to children and adults with atopic dermatitis is similar. In both age groups, failure to respond to conventional therapy should prompt evaluation for complicating factors such as secondary infection and secondary ACD. Immunologic, metabolic, genetic, and nutritional disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of refractory pediatric atopic dermatitis. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), cutaneous drug reactions, other spongiotic dermatoses, psoriasis, dermatomycosis, and infestations should be considered in the differential of refractory atopic dermatitis in adults. Systemic therapies prescribed to both children and adults with severe atopic dermatitis include oral corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital, 8010 Frost Street, Suite 602, San Diego, CA 92123. Electronic address: sawasthi@rchsd.org.
authors.forename: Smita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Awasthi
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 21 South Rd, Farmington, CT 06032.
authors.forename: Marti Jill
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rothe
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, Rady Children's Hospital, 8010 Frost Street, Suite 602, San Diego, CA 92123.
authors.forename: Lawrence F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Eichenfield
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D055048:Integrative Medicine; D007589:Job Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010789:Phototherapy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents