Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease that appears to be increasing in prevalence in Asia, indicating an urgent need for effective treatment strategies.

We have proposed a practical algorithm to simplify the topical treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in adult and pediatric patients in South and East Asian countries, with a focus on the role of topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI).

The algorithm emphasizes the importance of sensitive skin areas and is intended for use in daily clinical practice by primary care physicians, pediatricians and dermatologists.

Pimecrolimus is recommended to treat mild-to-moderate AD affecting sensitive skin areas, while tacrolimus should be considered for moderate and severe cases; either pimecrolimus or tacrolimus is recommended for flares in other, non-sensitive body locations.

A proactive maintenance treatment strategy involving the twice-weekly application of a TCI and regular emollient use to previously affected areas may reduce the risk of a recurrence of disease flares.