Guidelines for Management of Atopic Dermatitis — Part 1: Diagnosis and Assessment

Practice changing information for this common and uncomfortable condition

Sponsoring Organization: American Academy of Dermatology

Target Population: Primary care providers, dermatologists

Background and Objective

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis that begins before 5 years of age in 90% of patients. It has a complex pathogenesis in which genetic and environmental factors cause perturbations in the skin barrier and immunological function. A working group of recognized AD experts assembled to develop a four-part evidence-based guideline for AD care. This replaces a 2004 American Academy of Dermatology guideline on the same topic. Part 1 of the new guideline emphasizes clinical questions about the diagnosis and assessment.

Key Points

Diagnosis AD is based on clinical findings, which include a …

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)