ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the use of systemic immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of Atopic dermatitis (AD). Systemic corticosteroids are effective in treating acute flares of AD. There are numerous studies proving the efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of AD, in both adults and children. Results from several trials support the efficacy of azathioprine in the treatment of severe AD. A patient developed herpes simplex retinitis while being treated for AD with mycophenolate mofetil. A retrospective study was conducted of 30 patients aged 2–16 years with severe AD treated with methotrexate and folic acid 1 mg per day on nontreatment days. Several randomized, placebocontrolled trials have shown Interferon-γ to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for AD. The great success of immunobiologics such as etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab in the treatment of psoriasis has not been seen in the treatment of AD.
