Proof of Concept Investigation of the Steroid-reducing Effects of Crisaborole in Children

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease and a common affliction among children. Twice daily topical corticosteroid (TCS) use over several weeks is recommended for active inflammatory disease. Side effects of TCS range from cutaneous atrophy to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. Steroid phobia and misunderstanding often lead to poor compliance and inadequate disease control. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are currently recommended as steroid-reducing agents, especially on sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds. However, TCis are associated with burning reactions and come with black box warnings.

Crisaborole (Eucrisa), the newest topical prescription option for AD, is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in patients aged 2 and older with mild to moderate AD. Given the good tolerability and favorable safety profile, crisaborole makes for an alternative topical option to its predecessors. However, corresponding data are lacking. It would be of great interest to patients, patients' families and providers if crisaborole can be shown to reduce the amount of TCS necessary for control of AD. The investigators therefore propose a proof-of-concept study to investigate whether crisaborole can serve as an effective steroid-reducing agent.