Implementation of a treatment algorithm for children with atopic dermatitis in the emergency room setting

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic pediatric skin disease, affecting an estimated 13% of children in the United States. Because access to specialized care is limited, and poorly controlled disease is marked by interval flares, many of these patients seek treatment in the emergency department (ED). In this setting, management often includes oral corticosteroids, antihistamines and antibiotics, an approach that provides short-term relief, but can potentiate rebound flares. The ED setting also carries several challenges related to lack of well-defined guidelines for managing flares, criteria for hospitalization, need for primary care vs.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research