INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronicrecurrent disorder associated with pruritus and genetic predisposition diagnosed at a mean age of 1.6 years.1,2 The first AD flares frequently occur in infancy and may recur or persist during childhood and adulthood.1-3 Persistent severe AD is somewhat more associated with the female sex and onset after two years of age.3 Guidelines and algorithms for treating AD in pediatric and adult patients have recommended skincare using cleansers and moisturizers as monotherapy in mild to moderate flares or as an adjunct to prescription and nonprescription AD treatment and maintenance.4-6
Ongoing, daily use of moisturizers that contain lipids such as ceramides (CER) reduces the rate of AD flares and the need for topical steroid treatment.7,8
A pediatric AD case series is presented to educate healthcare providers treating newborns, infants, and children with AD to tailor AD prescription and nonprescription therapy, skincare, and maintenance treatment to improve patient outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A panel (advisors) of 8 pediatric dermatologists, dermatologists, and pediatricians who treat pediatric AD patients reported on clinical cases from their practice. Evidence from the literature and the panels' expert opinions, experiences, and key insights reflect the advisors' use of CER-containing skincare as monotherapy or as an adjunct to prescription treatment for pediatric patients with AD. In addition, a review of findings reflects real-world clinical use of CER-containing skincare and how patients can benefit from its treatment, ie, "what experienced specialists are doing for their pediatric AD patients".
Of the 15 cases presented during the meeting, the advisors agreed to select six patient cases covering various ages and skin types, including pediatric patients with richly pigmented skin, and give a logical flow from infants to children.
Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Patient Case Series
The advisors discussed why they selected the case, previous treatment, type of prevention and education provided, skincare as mono or adjunctive treatment, prescription and nonprescription therapy
During the February 11, 2023, meeting, each advisor presented pediatric AD patient cases from their practice. A CER-containing skincare regime was used as adjunctive treatment or monotherapy for pediatric AD patients. The advisors gathered patient case information on gender, age, Fitzpatrick skin phototype,9 AD history, presentation, a treatment plan summary, results, and key learning points. The self-recorded skin type used a Fitzpatrick score from phototype I up to Type VI (Type I [scores 0-6] always burns, never tans, Type II [scores 7-13] usually burns, tans minimally, Type III [scores 14-20] sometimes mild burn, tans uniformly [golden honey or olive], Type IV [scores 21-27] burns slightly, always tans well, Type V [scores 28-34] very rarely burns, tans very easy [dark brown], and Type VI [scores 35-36] never burns [richly pigmented]).9
Of the 15 cases presented during the meeting, the advisors agreed to select six patient cases covering various ages and skin types, including pediatric patients with richly pigmented skin, and give a logical flow from infants to children.
Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Patient Case Series
The advisors discussed why they selected the case, previous treatment, type of prevention and education provided, skincare as mono or adjunctive treatment, prescription and nonprescription therapy
