The primary objective of this study was to evaluate microbial density in eczematous lesions during two weeks of twice daily therapy with the investigational product, DPK-060 1% ointment, compared with placebo in patients with atopic dermatitis. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled part of the study was preceded with an open-label investigation in a small group of patients (n=5) treated with two applications of DPK-060 1% ointment per day for four days to assess safety, local tolerability and systemic absorption of DPK-060.