A comparison of international management guidelines for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition that is predominantly found in pediatric patients and commonly presents therapeutic challenges. The management of AD encompasses a variety of factors, and the pillars of optimal management revolve around skin barrier repair and antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipruritic treatment. AD management guidelines exist in various geographic regions globally. The purpose of this review was to compare international guidelines to highlight the similarities and variances among populations and skin types. Comparisons were made for recommendations regarding moisturization, bathing, wet wrap therapy, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, antipruritics, antibiotics, systemic immunosuppressants, and biologics.

A literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases was performed for published guidelines in each geographic region. Inclusion criteria included publications available in English that were established by a dermatological association or group including dermatologists, pertained to the treatment of AD in humans, were the most recent guidelines available that were published between 2007 and 2018, and included comprehensive treatment recommendations.

Publications from Europe, North America, Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, Australia, and Africa were reviewed, encompassing 14 guidelines. Notable diversity exists across these guidelines regarding recommendations for moisturization and bathing, as well as topical and systemic therapies for AD.

Due to the heterogeneity of the disease and regional treatment accessibility, complete standardization of AD management guidelines may be difficult. Nevertheless, more consensus on management guidelines is needed, and recommendations should be updated as new treatment modalities become available.