Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

What treatment is appropriate for a 6-month-old girl with atopic dermatitis?

1. Clobetasol propionate topical

2. Hydrocortisone acetate topical

3. Pimecrolimus topical

4. Prednisone oral

The correct answer is: Hydrocortisone acetate topical

For a 6-month-old girl with atopic dermatitis, hydrocortisone acetate topical is an appropriate treatment choice. This low-potency topical corticosteroid is suitable for use in infants, as it minimizes the risk of significant side effects while effectively reducing inflammation and itching associated with atopic dermatitis. At this young age, the skin is more sensitive, and the treatment should focus on safe options. Hydrocortisone acetate has a favorable safety profile and is often recommended for mild to moderate flare-ups of atopic dermatitis in infants. Moreover, it can help manage localized areas of inflammation without causing the potential complications that might arise from using stronger corticosteroids. In contrast, higher-potency corticosteroids, like clobetasol propionate, are typically reserved for more severe dermatitis cases or specific body areas and should be used cautiously in young children due to the risk of skin atrophy and other side effects. Pimecrolimus, although a topical calcineurin inhibitor, is often recommended for children over 2 years of age and may not be the first choice in infants unless other treatments are ineffective or unsuitable. Oral prednisone is a systemic corticosteroid that is not indicated for atopic dermatitis in infants unless there is severe disease that cannot be managed with