Atopic dermatitis management: comparing the treatment patterns of dermatologists in Japan, U.S.A. and U.K

The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing worldwide. No large-scale study has previously compared the therapeutic management of this condition in different countries.

The purpose of this study was to determine the treatment preferences of dermatologists in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K., and investigate their relationship with certain factors pertaining to the physician and his practice.

A questionnaire was sent to all registered members of dermatological societies in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K. Responses were collated and statistical analysis performed using chi2, Mantel-Haenszel and Breslow heterogeneity tests.

Three thousand six hundred and eighty-eight completed surveys were returned. U.S.A. and U.K. physicians were significantly more aggressive in prescribing systemic medications, such as steroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressants, compared with those in Japan. Japanese dermatologists also utilized topical steroids significantly less. The use of alternative remedies was highest in Japan. All three countries had a relatively high degree of optimism for topical immunosuppressants, but less so for other emerging therapies.

Both similarities and differences in the therapy of AD exist in the three countries studied. Factors related to the physician, patient population and culture may influence these observations.