INTRODUCTION
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, inflammatory dermatosis and skin disease that follows a relapsing pattern and requires a dynamic and stepwise approach to management.1,2 AD is often associated with an elevated serum immunoglobulin (IgE), familial or personal history of type 1 allergies associated with anaphylaxis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.3-6 Some consider AD as the start of the “atopic marchâ€, which is defined as the development of AD in infancy and subsequently allergic rhinitis and asthma later in childhood.7,5-6 According to Lyons et al,6 “education of the underlying and primary defects, as well as provision of a comprehensive skin care plan, are essential in management of disease flares and disease maintenance in AD†(p.161). Care plan use in many chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, and COPD have demonstrated effectiveness in disease management.8,1,5,9,10-12 An AD care plan is a guided tool to assist providers in educating patients on AD.
Co-Morbidities, Incidence and Financial Impact of AD
According to a study by Roduit et al4 early phenotypes among children with AD (before age two) identified a correlation of food allergies and asthma by the age of six. AD most commonly affects children more often than adults. Onset is most common between three to six months of age. Approximately 60% of children develop AD by their first year of life, while 90% develop AD by five years. Twenty five percent of children younger than 14 years of age are affected compared to two to three percent of adults.3,13,5 Childhood AD prevalence by race is 20.2% African American, 13% Asian, 12.1% White, 10% Hispanic, and 13% Native American.14,15 The annual financial impact of AD according to the National Eczema Association [NEA]14 for treating AD was $314 million.14
AD is caused by a complex cascade of physiological and non-physiological mechanisms that involve environmental, genetic,
Co-Morbidities, Incidence and Financial Impact of AD
According to a study by Roduit et al4 early phenotypes among children with AD (before age two) identified a correlation of food allergies and asthma by the age of six. AD most commonly affects children more often than adults. Onset is most common between three to six months of age. Approximately 60% of children develop AD by their first year of life, while 90% develop AD by five years. Twenty five percent of children younger than 14 years of age are affected compared to two to three percent of adults.3,13,5 Childhood AD prevalence by race is 20.2% African American, 13% Asian, 12.1% White, 10% Hispanic, and 13% Native American.14,15 The annual financial impact of AD according to the National Eczema Association [NEA]14 for treating AD was $314 million.14
AD is caused by a complex cascade of physiological and non-physiological mechanisms that involve environmental, genetic,
