Atopic dermatitis: clinical and immunologic aspects and treatment.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease marked by exacerbations and remissions. It begins in early infancy and may persist into late adulthood. Flares of dermatitis may be precipitated by emotional stess, extremes or sudden changes in humidity or temperature, and other factors. Treatment consists primarily of the use of mild topical agents to reduce inflammation and pruritus. Long-term systemic therapy with corticosteroid is not recommended. Topical preparations containing agents that increase the local levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (eg, caffeine) may be useful.