Cyclosporin in atopic dermatitis - Review of the literature and outline ofa Belgian consensus

This paper reflects the consensus reached among Belgian professors of derma tology on the place of cyclosporin (CsA) in the treatment of atopic dermati tis (AD). Existing therapeutic modalities and ways to evaluate efficacy of treatment are reviewed briefly, Based on data from the literature and perso nal experience, guidelines for the use of CsA in AD are proposed. CsA can b e prescribed in recalcitrant cases of AD on a short-term basis, both in adu lts and children. Long-term treatment, up to 1 year, should be considered o nly in exceptional cases that cannot be controlled by short-time therapy. C ontraindications, drug interactions and necessary controls during treatment are also discussed.