ABSTRACT
Infantile atopic dermatitis describes a subcategory of atopic dermatitis that, as its name implies, affects infants. In rare cases, infantile atopic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis-like eruptions may also represent an early clinical manifestation that can herald a variety of congenital, metabolic, and immunodeficiency syndromes. Complications of atopic dermatitis can affect an infant profoundly. Most infants, however, benefit from discontinuation of topical steroid therapy once the clinical findings have cleared and are maintained with topical emollients and atopic skin-care measures. Use of antihistamines in young infants for routine management of pruritus is not generally recommended, and alternative topical agents such as topical corticosteroids or emollients are preferred. Currently available topical calcineurin inhibitors, namely pimecrolimus 1% cream and tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, are typically considered second-line agents for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Antibiotics and antiviral therapies may be needed when infants with atopic dermatitis develop signs and symptoms of superinfection.
