A nonsteroidal lamellar matrix cream containing palmitoylethanolamide for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting a predominantly pediatric population and characterized by a cycle of flare and remission. Pruritus associated with AD results in substantial quality of life, societal, financial and emotional burdens for patients and their caregivers. Daily management of AD is usually based on application of an emollient and a topical corticosteroid, topical immunomodulator and/or oral antihistamine for the management of flares. A new nonsteroidal lamellar matrix cream has been introduced for use in a variety of dermatologic conditions including AD. Its ingredients mimic stratum corneum components which may help repair and restore skin barrier function and decrease transepidermal water loss. This article reviews the role of topical therapy in AD management, and evaluates the usefulness of the lamellar matrix cream in reducing time to flare, limiting the use of agents with greater side-effect profiles and lowering the overall cost of treatment.