Introduction. Despite the progress that has been made in the therapy of atopic dermatitis in recent years, cyclosporin A remains the first-line treatment of severe forms of the disease.

Objective. To present a case of effective cyclosporin A therapy of severe atopic dermatitis with features of secondary bacterial infection.

Case report. A 22-year-old man was admitted to hospital with extensive erythematous-desquamative skin lesions. The lesions were accompanied by intense itching. Based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, laboratory test results and histological examination of a skin biopsy, atopic dermatitis with bacterial superinfection was diagnosed. Treatment with cyclosporin A in combination with antibiotics was initiated, resulting in significant clinical improvement within a few days after the initiation of therapy.

Conclusions. Our case confirms that cyclosporin A is a fast-acting and highly effective therapeutic agent in atopic dermatitis, and the risk of adverse reactions, if the drug is used properly, is low.