Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Education: Lifestyle Modifications and Topical Therapy Management

This portion of the panel focused on 2 critical aspects of managing AD: patient education and the strategic use of topical therapies. One of the primary challenges clinicians face is addressing misinformation from social media, cosmeceutical marketing, and other unregulated sources. Providers emphasized that effective communication and education are essential during the limited time available in clinical visits. This includes using simplified language, visual aids, handouts, and live demonstrations of skin care routines. Education must be tailored to the patient’s age, focusing on parents when treating young children while empowering adolescents to take ownership of their care by speaking directly to them and reinforcing the importance of adherence.

The conversation then transitioned into the vital role topical medications play in the management of AD across all age groups and disease severities. Even for patients on systemic therapies or biologics, topicals remain essential, whether to bridge the delay before systemic treatments take effect or to treat localized flares. Providers noted that some children may not tolerate pills or injections, making topical treatment the most feasible and acceptable option. Steroids can be helpful for rapid control during acute flares, but newer nonsteroidal agents are proving to be highly effective, often offering better itch relief and fewer long-term adverse events, making them ideal for ongoing management.

Ultimately, the panel highlighted that the chronic and relapsing nature of AD requires a flexible treatment strategy, where topicals serve both short-term and long-term needs. Their versatility allows them to be used alongside systemic medications, during flare-ups, or as maintenance therapy. The goal is to reduce flare frequency, improve patient comfort, and minimize caregiver burden. This comprehensive, patient-centered approach—combining education, communication, and topical versatility—is key to achieving sustained disease control in a condition as unpredictable and impactful as AD.