Summary: Effective treatment of children with atopic dermatitis is associated with multilevel activities including prevention, education, avoidance of irritating factors and adjustment of appropriate local treatment. The basis of treatment in atopic dermatitis is proper skin care – washing and oiling with emollients. The authors present the practical principles of emollient therapy and the criteria for selecting the optimal emollient for the patient. The principles of safe treatment with topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors in children are discussed, as well as the main causes of therapy failures.