Abstract
Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic recurrent disorder typically starting in infancy and early childhood and associated with pruritus and genetic predisposition. Daily use of moisturizers that contain lipids such as ceramides (CER) reduces the rate of AD flares and the need for topical steroid treatment.
A pediatric AD case series is presented to educate healthcare providers treating children with AD to tailor AD prescription therapy, skincare, and maintenance treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Methods: The advisors discussed 15 pediatric AD patient cases and agreed to select six patients covering various presentations of pediatric AD, patient ages, and skin types.
Results: The advisors discussed why they selected the case, previous treatment, type of prevention and education provided, skincare as mono or adjunctive treatment, prescription and nonprescription therapy and maintenance treatment, and clinical pearls. Two patient cases discuss infants with early onset AD who benefitted from frequent and ongoing ceramide-containing skincare. The other four patient cases present children aged 2 to 9 years who benefitted from skincare as an adjunct to topical corticosteroid therapy.
Conclusion: Sharing best practices in AD therapy and maintenance treatment for pediatric AD patients may support healthcare providers treating newborns, infants, and children to improve clinical outcomes. Consistent skincare use with ceramide-containing cleansers and moisturizers as mono or adjunctive to prescription treatment promoted a healthy skin barrier.