Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
Published on: September 26, 2019
Survey on the Actual Use of Topical Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Among Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Hiroyuki Murota1, Shinichi Noto2, Miyuki Matsukawa3
1Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
Introduction:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition requiring long-term management to maintain remission and prevent relapse. Appropriate use of topical anti-inflammatory medications is an important factor in improving symptoms in patients with AD. This study aimed to investigate the treatment methods for maintaining remission and application of anti-inflammatory topical therapy.
Methods:
This observational study was conducted in October 2022, using medical claims data from DeSC Healthcare Inc., linked with survey data collected from users of kencom®, a health promotion application. Eligible patients were adults aged ≥ 19 years with a confirmed AD diagnosis and prescription history. The survey evaluated (1) the actual treatment situation during the remission maintenance phase; and (2) instructions, actual status and adherence for application of anti-inflammatory topical therapy.
Results:
A total of 626 patients who answered the kencom® survey and met eligibility criteria were included. Of these, 42.3% were instructed to stop medication once eczema improved, while 34.2% were instructed to continue during remission. Regarding instructions for the amount applied, the most common response was "No specific instructions" (44.2%), followed by "Fingertip-unit (FTU)" (27.2%). In actual practice, "FTU" was the most common amount (42.2%). Regarding application area, the most frequent instruction and actual practice were "Apply only to areas with eczema with remaining inflammation" at 52.6% and 62.5%, respectively, followed by "Apply not only to the eczema or remaining inflamed areas but also the surrounding areas" at 24.0% and 37.2%. Regarding the application method, "Apply thinly" was the most common instruction and actual practice at 32.7% and 48.4%, respectively. Treatment adherence rates were generally high, at over 60%.
Conclusion:
Guidance from healthcare professionals has a crucial role in the proper use of topical therapies for AD. It is essential to ensure that topical medications are used properly to help patients achieve their treatment goals.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...