Description
Canine atopic dermatitis involves a poor skin barrier, abnormal skin inflammation, and dysbiosis of the normal skin microbiome. It is a superficial condition ideally suited to topical therapy, which is the baseline of treatment in human atopic dermatitis. Effective topical therapy can make a difference by increasing the efficacy of treatment programmes using other modalities such as allergen specific immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory treatment. Reducing the need for systemic treatment will improve safety and reduce costs. In addition, using effective topical antimicrobials will reduce the need for systemic antibiotics. This is a vital part of antimicrobial stewardship. The benefits of topical therapy should therefore always be considered in the management of canine AD. We’ll review the latest evidence for efficacy and safety of topical products, discuss application, and consider how they can be used most effectively.
