New strategies for dealing with Staphylococcus aureus colonization and the emerging methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidemic in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease and a global health problem. Patients are often colonized or infected by Staphylococcus aureus, usually by toxin-producing strains. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has emerged as an important pathogen. Community-acquired MRSA, a frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections has become epidemic. Basic skin care measures emphasizing repair and protection of the skin barrier reduce microbial colonization and decrease the need for specific antimicrobial therapy even in patients colonized by MRSA. Novel approaches directed at S. aureus colonization and prevention of infection include compounds mimicking antimicrobial peptides, vaccines targeting unique antigens and toxin-neutralizing agents.