Pediatria pre prax 3/2009

Topical immunomodulators in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Topical immunomodulators interfere with immunopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis directly in the skin. Topical corticosteroids were the first topical immunomodulators. Side effects limit their topical use. Therefore a new line of topical immunomodulators – the pimecrolimus and tacrolimus was invited. Both are also called topical calcineurin inhibitors. The treatment with topical immunmodulatos is indicated for a short-therm, non-continuous long-term treatment and tacrolimus also for maintenance therapy. Tacrolimus is recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and pimecrolimus for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Both are part of a modern treatment of atopic dermatitis which can prolong remisions and reduces the number of exacerbations of the disease.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis, topical immunomodulators, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus.