Current guidelines for the evaluation and management of atopic dermatitis – A comparison of the Joint Task Force Practice Parameter and American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, remitting-relapsing inflammatory dermatitis often managed by a multidisciplinary group of providers including allergists, dermatologists, and primary care practitioners. As the pathogenesis of AD is complex and multifactorial, there are numerous approaches to therapeutic management. Current AD management guidelines cover a broad range of interventions, from treating acute flares to environmental modifications. Allergists and dermatologists have both common and distinct approaches to AD management highlighted in their respective guidelines, providing multiple approaches to disease management. We compare and contrast the recent AAAAI/ACAAI JTF 2012 AD Practice Parameter and AAD 2014 guidelines, highlighting differing approaches to disease management.