Taming the Flare: A Practical Algorithm for Managing Atopic Dermatitis with or without Infection
For patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), flares aren’t just a passing inconvenience, they can be emotionally and physically exhausting. From sleep disruption to social withdrawal, anxiety, and even depression, the toll of AD exacerbations is significant. One major, and often underappreciated, culprit behind these flares? Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Whether it’s simple colonization or full-blown secondary infection, SA often complicates the management of active AD.
A newly published article in JDD tackles this clinical challenge head-on. Drawing from a systematic literature review and the collective insight of a panel of nine dermatology experts, the authors developed a practical treatment algorithm to guide clinicians through managing AD flares, both with and without secondary infection.
The core takeaway is clear: successful flare management requires more than just reducing inflammation—it also demands attention to local microbial factors. The algorithm reflects this, balancing anti-inflammatory strategies with thoughtful antimicrobial stewardship. In particular, it spotlights the potential for emerging topical agents like zabalafin hydrogel, currently under investigation, that target both inflammation and SA colonization.
This is more than just a clinical update—it’s a call to refine our approach to AD care. For dermatologists treating patients with frequent or stubborn flares, this algorithm offers actionable guidance rooted in expert consensus and real-world practicality. It also reinforces the growing recognition that optimal AD management must be as nuanced and multifaceted as the condition itself.
Citation: Schachner LA, Hebert AA, Sidbury R, et al. Practical algorithm on topical treatment of flaring atopic dermatitis (AD) with or without secondary infection.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(6):621-630. doi:10.36849/JDD.8967
