New Frontiers in Early Life Atopic Dermatitis
Vikash Oza, MD, associate professor, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology; associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine; and director, pediatric dermatology, NYU Langone Health
December 2025
Dr. Vikash Oza presented information about early life atopic dermatitis (AD). Infants and children are the population most often seeking care, with poorly understood phenotypes and changing needs with time. Early life AD can be prevented, and proper management can help prevent other chronic diseases.
First, Oza reviewed the prevalence of AD throughout the lifespan. AD affects an estimated 15% to 27% of infants and children aged 3 months to 5 years, 11% of children and adolescents aged 5–18 years, and 7% of adults >18 years old. In Oza’s practice, 40% of patients are <2 years old. Approximately 45% of AD cases begin within 6 months of birth, and 60% of cases begin within 12 months of age. AD persists beyond age 2 years in 40% of cases.
Second, Oza described AD childhood phenotypes, including early onset (before age 2) and late onset (after age 2). Early onset AD can be transient (clears by age 4) or persistent. The early persistent phenotype has an increased risk of asthma and food allergies. If one parent has an allergy, the risk of early persistent phenotype is twice as likely; if both parents have an allergy, the risk is five-fold.
Third, Oza provided an overview of treatment options for early life AD. Topical treatments for early life include the corticosteroids desonide, fluocinolone, and aclometasone, and the non-corticosteroid, crisaberole. Dupilumab is the only approved systemic treatment for early life AD. Other recommended treatments include diluted bleach baths, consistent application of Vaseline or dimethicone creams around the mouth, vitamin D drops containing Lactoabillus rhamnosus, and treatment with emollient alone with wet pajamas.
To conclude, Oza discussed prevention of AD and associated atopic diseases. Abnormalities are present in infant skin before the development of AD clinical features. Research is ongoing to identify predictive markers and evaluate the efficacy of preventative treatments. Appropriate management of AD can help prevent the “atopic march,” which describes the progression of allergic diseases from AD to food allergies, seasonal allergies, and asthma. Only 3% of children with AD will complete the atopic march. There is some evidence that systemic AD therapy can halt the atopic march, with better preventive effects noted in younger children.
See you January 28-31, 2026, at the 2026 Annual DF Clinical Symposium.