INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also referred to as atopic eczema, is a chronic, pruritic, remitting and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that affects both the epidermal barrier and the immune system.1 AD signs and symptoms can vary widely from person to person and these clinical manifestations include, but are not limited to, pruritus, erythema, inflammation and xerosis.2 Itch or pruritus is a key symptom of AD and is related to inflammation that triggers a vicious cycle of itch and scratching ultimately resulting in chronicity.3 Xerosis, one of its main clinical features, results from deficient skin barrier function leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and decreased stratum corneum hydration.4 AD is considered incurable, thus, there is a need for accepted guidelines to manage and reduce the burden that this condition brings.
AD is a common chronic condition, with an estimated global prevalence of nearly 230 million. The prevalence in Asia has been increasing as in the global trend worldwide This trend may be attributed to increasingly Westernized lifestyles, and improved standards of living and education.5
AD affects 15–20% of children and 1–3% of adults worldwide; however, the prevalence varies greatly throughout the world.6 Data from 744,673 dermatological consults in the Philippine Dermatological Society-accredited outpatient institutions in the Philippines from 2007–2011 showed that more than half of the patients (65.1%) were children between 1–12 years old and twenty-four percent (24%) were infants less than one year.7 Young children rely on their parents and caregivers to administer treatments. The control of AD in children, therefore, largely depends on the resources, education, and attitude of parents and caregivers toward taking care of their child’s skin.
A study by Ortiz de Frutos et al showed that despite doctors’ recommendations, a significant number of patients do not correctly apply medications and prefer alternative treatments. Disease control was considered insufficient by 41.6% of adults and 27.6% of pediatric patients and was significantly affected by the severity of AD. Based on the same study, better education may improve treatment compliance and lead to adequate disease control.8 Challenged by the need to lessen distress and improve the quality of life of patients, a group of dermatology experts in Europe composed of Professors Gelmetti, Proksch, and Metz developed an easy-to-follow ABC scheme of AD management, published as an expert panel review entitled “Best Practices in Atopic Dermatitis Management†in June 2014.1 Building on
AD is a common chronic condition, with an estimated global prevalence of nearly 230 million. The prevalence in Asia has been increasing as in the global trend worldwide This trend may be attributed to increasingly Westernized lifestyles, and improved standards of living and education.5
AD affects 15–20% of children and 1–3% of adults worldwide; however, the prevalence varies greatly throughout the world.6 Data from 744,673 dermatological consults in the Philippine Dermatological Society-accredited outpatient institutions in the Philippines from 2007–2011 showed that more than half of the patients (65.1%) were children between 1–12 years old and twenty-four percent (24%) were infants less than one year.7 Young children rely on their parents and caregivers to administer treatments. The control of AD in children, therefore, largely depends on the resources, education, and attitude of parents and caregivers toward taking care of their child’s skin.
A study by Ortiz de Frutos et al showed that despite doctors’ recommendations, a significant number of patients do not correctly apply medications and prefer alternative treatments. Disease control was considered insufficient by 41.6% of adults and 27.6% of pediatric patients and was significantly affected by the severity of AD. Based on the same study, better education may improve treatment compliance and lead to adequate disease control.8 Challenged by the need to lessen distress and improve the quality of life of patients, a group of dermatology experts in Europe composed of Professors Gelmetti, Proksch, and Metz developed an easy-to-follow ABC scheme of AD management, published as an expert panel review entitled “Best Practices in Atopic Dermatitis Management†in June 2014.1 Building on
