Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is a common condition that takes a significant time from
the daily work of general paediatricians. The principles of Child Health
apply well in the management of this condition including attention to
details and a consideration for the impact on the quality of life of the
child and family. The clinical assessment involves an enquiry about triggers
as well as details of therapy. All should be done through a multidisciplinary
approach and liaison with primary care.
Regular daily topical emollients and intermittent topical corticosteroids
are the cornerstone of therapy. Resistant eczema should raise the
suspicion of secondary infection, usually staphylococcal or streptococcal,
poor compliance and psychological factors.
Keywords atopic dermatitis; emollients; food allergy; topical calcineurin
inhibitors; topical corticosteroids
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