Current clinical practice in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis affects both children and adults, and often presents in early life as itchy, dry skin primarily located on the face, trunk and limbs. There is usually a history of family or personal atopic disease and an increased blood level of the allergic antibody immunoglobulin E. The mainstays of treatment are emollients and corticosteroid ointments and/or creams. Other therapies include immunomodulators and management of any associated infections. Caring for a patient with atopic dermatitis requires skilled assessment, effective education and the ability to involve and support patients and carers in the management of this condition.