Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2018 Oct 29;8(4):e41.
doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2018.8.e41. eCollection 2018 Oct.

A clinician's reference guide for the management of atopic dermatitis in Asians

Steven Chow  1 , Chew Swee Seow  2 , Maria Victoria Dizon  3 , Kiran Godse  4 , Henry Foong  5 , Vicheth Chan  6 , Tran Hau Khang  7 , Leihong Xiang  8 , Syarief Hidayat  9 , M Yulianto Listiawan  10 , Danang Triwahyudi  11 , Srie Prihianti Gondokaryono  12 , Endang Sutedja  12 , Inne Arline Diana  12 , Oki Suwarsa  12 , Hartati Purbo Dharmadji  12 , Agnes Sri Siswati  13 , Retno Danarti  13 , Retno Soebaryo  14 , Windy Keumala Budianti  15 ; Asian Academy of Dermatology & Venereology
Affiliations

A clinician's reference guide for the management of atopic dermatitis in Asians

Steven Chow et al. Asia Pac Allergy. .

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition among Asians. Recent studies have shown that Asian AD has a unique clinical and immunologic phenotype compared with European/American AD.

Objective: The Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Expert Panel on Atopic Dermatitis developed this reference guide to provide a holistic and evidence-based approach in managing AD among Asians.

Methods: Electronic searches were performed to retrieve relevant systematic reviews and guidelines on AD. Recommendations were appraised for level of evidence and strength of recommendation based on the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines. These practice points were based on the consensus recommendations discussed during the Asia Pacific Meeting of Experts in Dermatology held in Bali, Indonesia in October 2016 and April 2017.

Results: The Expert Panel recommends an approach to treatment based on disease severity. The use of moisturizers is recommended across all levels of AD severity, while topical steroids are recommended only for flares not controlled by conventional skin care and moisturizers. Causes of waning efficacy must be explored before using topical corticosteroids of higher potency. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are recommended for patients who have become recalcitrant to steroid, in chronic uninterrupted use, and when there is steroid atrophy, or when there is a need to treat sensitive areas and pediatric patients. Systemic steroids have a limited role in AD treatment and should be avoided if possible. Educational programs that allow a patient-centered approach in AD management are recommended as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Recommendations on the use of phototherapy, systemic drugs, and emerging treatments are also included.

Conclusion: The management of AD among Asians requires a holistic approach, integrating evidence-based treatments while considering accessibility and cultural acceptability.

Keywords: Asians; Atopic dermatitis; Atopy; Dermatology; Eczema.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. The Fingertip Unit (FTU) recommended for various age groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Nutten S. Atopic dermatitis: global epidemiology and risk factors. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;66(Suppl 1):8–16. - PubMed
    1. Leung DY, Boguniewicz M, Howell MD, Nomura I, Hamid QA. New insights into atopic dermatitis. J Clin Invest. 2004;113:651–657. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Leung DY. New insights into atopic dermatitis: role of skin barrier and immune dysregulation. Allergol Int. 2013;62:151–161. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Suárez-Fariñas M, Dhingra N, Gittler J, Shemer A, Cardinale I, de Guzman Strong C, Krueger JG, Guttman-Yassky E. Intrinsic atopic dermatitis shows similar TH2 and higher TH17 immune activation compared with extrinsic atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;132:361–370. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Kim KH. Overview of atopic dermatitis. Asia Pac Allergy. 2013;3:79–87. - PMC - PubMed