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Paediatric atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) in South Africa: A practical algorithm for the management of
Susanna M Kannenberg1, Sarah Karabus, Willem I Visser
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town. surethak@sun.ac.za.
Insights
A practical algorithm simplifies managing mild-to-moderate atopic eczema (AE) in South African children. It emphasizes regular moisturizing, topical corticosteroids (TCSs), and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) for effective AE treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- Atopic eczema (AE) is a prevalent, chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting children globally.
- Poor disease control in AE can impair quality of life and lead to other atopic disorders.
- Limited specialist access in South Africa necessitates a practical approach for managing paediatric AE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a practical management algorithm for mild-to-moderate atopic eczema in children and adolescents.
- To provide guidance for daily clinical practice in South Africa.
- To optimize clinical outcomes and reduce the burden of childhood AE.
Main Methods:
- A panel of experts in atopic eczema convened to create the algorithm.
- The algorithm focuses on practical management strategies for mild-to-moderate AE.
- It considers available topical anti-inflammatory medications in South Africa.
Main Results:
- Regular emollient use is the cornerstone of AE treatment.
- Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are recommended for AE flares.
- Proactive maintenance therapy with emollients, TCSs, or TCIs is advised for recurrent flares.
Conclusions:
- The algorithm simplifies paediatric AE treatment, improving outcomes.
- Severe AE cases require specialist referral.
- Emphasis is placed on general skincare, patient education, and appropriate use of TCSs and TCIs.
Background:
Atopic eczema (AE) is a chronic, highly pruritic, inflammatory skin condition with increasing prevalence worldwide. Atopic eczema mostly affects children, impairing quality of life with poor disease control leading to progression of other atopic disorders. As most patients in South Africa have no access to specialist healthcare, a practical approach is needed for the management of mild-to-moderate AE in paediatric patients for daily clinical practice.
Methods:
A panel of experts in AE convened to develop a practical algorithm for the management of AE for children and adolescents in South Africa.
Results:
Regular moisturising with an oil-based emollient remains the mainstay of AE treatment. Severe AE flares should be managed with topical corticosteroids (TCSs). For mild-to-moderate AE flares in sensitive skin areas, a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) should be applied twice daily from the first signs of AE until complete resolution. Topical corticosteroids may be used when TCIs are unavailable. In non-sensitive skin areas, TCSs should be used for mild-to-moderate AE, but TCIs twice daily may be considered. Proactive maintenance treatment with low-dose TCI or TCS 2-3 times weekly and the liberal use of emollients is recommended for patients with recurrent flares.
Conclusions:
This algorithm aims to simplify treatment of paediatric AE, optimising clinical outcomes and reducing disease burden. This approach excludes treatment of patients with severe AE, who should be referred to specialist care. Emphasis has been given to the importance of general skincare, patient education and the topical anti-inflammatory medications available in South Africa (TCSs and TCIs).
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