Dermatology Times 2023 In Review: Atopic Dermatitis

How Heavy Traffic Can Increase the Risk of Atopic Dermatitis

The study reviewed the associations between more than 14,000 pediatric patients living in the Denver area and their proximity to major roadways. Patients presenting and meeting diagnostic criteria and codes for AD (n=7384) were measured and compared to a control group of pediatric patients without AD (n=7241).

Eczema Prevalence Varies by Race and Ethnicity, With Overall Increase Seen

Eczema prevalence increased overall over a 21-year period among children living with the chronic skin condition in the United States, with significant differences seen when potential contributions from race and ethnicity were considered.

How Health Care Disparities in Latin America Impact Numbers of Atopic Dermatitis

In Latin America, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is reportedly as much as 25% in children and 1%-3% in adults, according to numerous papers and studies on the disease. Historically, AD goes into remission in adolescence and adult life, with approximately 10%-30% of patients continuing to experience symptoms of AD in adulthood.

New Data Shows Promising Results in Treatment of Hand and Foot Atopic Dermatitis

A study presented by Eric Lawrence Simpson, MD, FAAD showed that dupilumab (Dupixent) significantly improved signs and symptoms in patients with hand and foot atopic dermatitis and had an acceptable safety profile. The study results were unveiled during a late-breaking research session at the 2023 American Academy of Dermatology Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

New Guidelines to Prevent Food Allergies in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Patients

“I think sometimes you have the impression that dermatologists and allergists don't see eye-to-eye when it comes to food allergies in our atopic dermatitis patients, but I think many of us do and we have a lot to teach each,” said Lacey Kruse, MD, FAAD, pediatric dermatologist at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. She teamed up with Rachel Robison, MD, pediatric allergist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, to translate guidelines into clinical practice.

Air Pollution from Wildfire Smoke Can Exacerbate Skin Conditions

Recent studies have shown that California wildfires, and the air pollution resulting from them, led a significant number of Californians to seek dermatologic treatment. Inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis were among the most common.

Lanolin Named Allergen of the Year

Lanolin, known mainly for its emollient properties, has been named by the American Contact Dermatitis Society as the Contact Allergen of the Year for 2023. Lanolin is a complex mixture of high molecular weight esters, aliphatic alcohols, sterols, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons that has been widely used for centuries for its emollient properties. The prevalence of lanolin contact allergy in dermatitis patients varies from 1.2% to 6.9%.

Boxed Warnings Should Not Create a Fear of Using All JAK Inhibitors for AD

Boxed warnings for JAK inhibitors, specifically for treating atopic dermatitis, tend to get in the way of providing the appropriate care to patients, according to Brett King, MD, PhD. At the 2023 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis conference in Washington, DC, King discussed how boxed warnings for JAK inhibitors came to be, and reviewed data demonstrating that JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis are significantly safer than JAK inhibitors used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The Role of Exercise in Atopic Dermatitis, Spontaneous Urticaria

While engaging in physical activity can improve mental health symptoms, researchers said it can also exacerbate certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

The Impact of Swimming on Atopic Dermatitis Flares

Researchers assessed existing literature related to the topic of swimming and atopic dermatitis in order to pool data supporting the benefits and drawbacks of the activity. Additionally, they sought to analyze several factors, including components of water, exercise, skin barrier protection, and swimming gear.

Renata Block, PA-C, Discusses Recent Interview With the Eczema Sample Store

For many patients suffering from eczema or sensitive skin, it can be difficult to find the right products to treat the skin without causing irritation. Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, a board-certified dermatology physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine, LLC, in Chicago, Illinois, recently spoke to the founder of the Eczema Sample Store, a subscription service that brings smaller samples to patients trying to find the right products for their skin.

Alternatives, Advancements, and Adherence in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Management

With advanced developments in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatments for pediatric patients and shared struggles to ensure patient adherence, course directors for the Society for Pediatric Dermatology 48th Annual Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina welcomed a panel of experts to delve into integrative approaches, prescription options, and strategies to encourage patients to stick with their treatment plan.

The Importance of Timing With Live Vaccinations in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Colleen Cotton, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and pediatrician at Children's National Hospital and assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at George Washington School of Medicine in Washington, DC. She shared pearls about pediatric atopic dermatitis, how it's important to time biologic injections with live vaccinations, and how to have conversations about different treatment options with families.

Navigating Topical Steroid Withdrawal and Extreme Adverse Reactions to Corticosteroids

As more topical treatments have entered the dermatology space over the years, topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), also known as red skin syndrome or topical steroid addiction, has led to widespread discussions about the potential implications of the prolonged use of topical corticosteroids.

Despite the tremendous impact of TSW, little is known about the effects of TSW, including how frequently it arises in patients, and there is limited research exploring this multifaceted and extreme corticosteroid reaction.

Key Considerations for Optimal Atopic Dermatitis Care Across All Ages

Understanding the clinical presentations in adult versus pediatric patients is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and then developing an appropriate treatment regimen. In an interview with Dermatology Times, Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, and Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, shared their insights and key treatment pearls.

Expert Insights on AAD’s Updated AD Management Guidelines for Using Phototherapy and Systemic Therapies

The American Academy of Dermatology recently published new recommended guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) using phototherapy and systemic therapies to include more recently approved biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors. After their comprehensive review, the guideline authors strongly recommend the use of dupilumab (Dupixent), tralokinumab (Adbry), baricitinib (Olumiant), abrocitinib (Cibinqo), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq); conditionally recommend phototherapy, cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil; and do not recommend systemic corticosteroids.