INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease involving epidermal skin barrier dysfunction, genetic predisposition, and immune dysregulation.1,2 Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of AD implicate a strong contribution of T helper (Th) 2 inflammation and dysregulation in Th17 and Th22 pathways, particularly during the acute phase, with a transition towards Th1 activation during the chronic phase.1,3 Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 10%-20%.4,5 Although the disease most commonly develops during the first year of life and often improves in late childhood, it can manifest at any age and its prevalence in adults has been estimated at 2%-10%.4,6 Intense pruritus, xerosis, and eczematous lesions are hallmark clinical features of AD.4,6 The disease has been associated ith substantial personal burden including itch and pain that can contribute to sleep disturbances and impaired cognitive function,7 diminished quality of life,8 reduced psychosocial wellbeing,8,9 and stigma related to visible lesions,4,8 as well as societal burden due to high direct10 and indirect costs.11 The disease severity is mild to moderate in 80%-95% of cases depending on the assessment measure used.5
The mainstay for the management of mild to moderate AD is topical therapies, including non-pharmacologic modalities (eg, moisturizers, emollients, basic hygiene measures) and pharmacologic agents (eg, topical corticosteroids [TCS], topical calcineurin inhibitors [TCI], and phosphodiesterase-4 [PDE-4] inhibitors).12,13 At this time, none of the approved topical pharmacologic therapies are approved for continuous long-
The mainstay for the management of mild to moderate AD is topical therapies, including non-pharmacologic modalities (eg, moisturizers, emollients, basic hygiene measures) and pharmacologic agents (eg, topical corticosteroids [TCS], topical calcineurin inhibitors [TCI], and phosphodiesterase-4 [PDE-4] inhibitors).12,13 At this time, none of the approved topical pharmacologic therapies are approved for continuous long-