Antiinflammatory topical drugs in atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

In 1952 the introduction of hydrocortisone led to a revolution in the field of topical antiinflammatory treatment. In the '60ies the indications of topical corticosteroid treatment were defined. Since then, new, always stronger molecules were introduced. In the '70ies the side effects of topical corticosteroid treatment came out. The severe side effects gave raise to a prejudicial fear against this treatment in the '80ies. Therefore, for a period of 15 years no new corticosteroid molecules were introduced. On the other hand, at the end of '90ies non corticosteroid antiinflammatory drugs appeared. In the recent years appeared always stronger non corticosteroid antiinflammatory drugs such as furalglucytole, tacrolimus, SDZ ASM 981 and tazarotene, In the meantime, the corticosteroid creams improved significantly, due to the marked reduction of side effects, the more acceptable organoleptic characteristics and, finally, the more comfortable administration (monoadministration). The cost of these topical drugs, usually more expensive for the non corticosteroid products, should not be forgotten in the final choice of the topical antiinflammatory treatment (Presented in the International Congress of Neonatal Dermatology - Bari - Italy, September 24-27, 1998).