The purpose of this study of this study is to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of GW842470X in patients with atopic dermatitis. GW842470X is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4).

Inclusion criteria:

• Atopic dermatitis patients (moderate to severe) who are otherwise healthy.
• BMI range 18.5-29.9m2 at least 2 index lesions and BSA involvement >10%.
• 14 day washout of current therapy.

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients who have had systemic treatment for atopic dermatitis or other topical or transdermal treatments (such as nicotine, hormone replacement therapies) within 14 days prior to first application of study medication and/or topical treatment with tar or any treatment with corticosteroids within 14 days prior to first application except 1% hydrocortisone.
• Patients must not present with any systemic disorders or active skin disease other than atopic dermatitis.