Joel Schlessinger M.D.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that involves scaly, itchy dry skin and rashes. It is generally due to a hypersensitivity reaction that can lead to redness and swelling. This common skin disorder is usually found in infants and children, and many people outgrow it by adulthood.

Although atopic dermatitis is not necessarily life-threatening, it can be very painful and uncomfortable. Dr. Joel Schlessinger took part in a study that assessed the efficacy of potent 0.1% fluocinonide cream to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients affected by atopic dermatitis. The HPA axis controls reactions to stress and regulates body processes, such as those that influence a breakout of atopic dermatitis.

High-potency 0.1% fluocinonide cream was applied to patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis with 20% or more of the body surface covered. Each pediatric patient applied the cream once or twice daily for two weeks before Dr. Joel Schlessinger examined the results.

It was found that more than 90% of patients showed improvement in their disease status. Once-daily treatment with 0.1% fluocinonide cream did not result in HPA axis suppression.

Read the article, “An Open-label Adrenal Supression Study of 0.1% Fluocinonide Cream in Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis,” published in the Archives of Dermatology here.

How do you treat atopic dermatitis? Would you recommend 0.1% fluocinonide cream to your patients? Share your advice with us in the comments below.