Crisaborole vs Fluticasone Propionate in Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis

This single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled study enrolled 40 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, defined by Hanifin and Rajka criteria, ISGA 2-3, and objective SCORAD up to 40. Participants were randomized to topical crisaborole 2% or fluticasone propionate 0.05%, applied twice daily for 6 weeks, with eligible responders continuing twice-weekly maintenance for 12 weeks. Outcomes included percentage improvement in SCORAD at Week 6, changes in ISGA and pruritus, disease-free survival, and local adverse events such as burning or redness. Both regimens improved disease severity with acceptable safety; fluticasone had greater early SCORAD improvement, while crisaborole showed numerically higher disease-free survival and lower relapse rates during follow-up.

Inclusion criteria

• Children of either sex aged 1 to 12 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis based on Hanifin and Rajka criteria.
• Mild to moderate disease with objective SCORAD up to 40.
• Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) score of 2 (mild) or 3 (moderate) at baseline.

Exclusion criteria

• Use of systemic corticosteroids, nonsteroidal systemic immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, methotrexate), or phototherapy within 4 weeks before baseline.
• Use of topical corticosteroids, transdermal corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, or any medicated topical agent within 1 week before baseline.
• Severe atopic dermatitis (objective SCORAD > 40).
• Significant medical condition requiring systemic medication (e.g., cancer).
• Current clinical diagnosis of bacterial skin infection (such as abscess or impetigo).