Many patients with atopic dermatitis feel that their treatment is ineffective and 25% may be noncompliant with treatments involving corticosteroids. Developing safe and effective pharmacologic alternatives to steroids has presented a challenge to physicians and drug researchers. A new class of nonsteroid immunomodulators, topical calcineurin inhibitors, overcome some of the difficulties and concerns associated with steroid use. The introduction of new drug therapies reinforces the importance of dermatology nursing in managing atopic dermatitis.