Guidelines for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Singapore.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic pruritic condition affecting both children and adults, which has a negative impact on the quality of life. These guidelines were developed by an expert workgroup appointed by the Dermatological Society of Singapore, to provide doctors with information to assist in the management of their patients with atopic dermatitis. The workgroup members are experienced dermatologists with interest and expertise in eczemas.


METHODS
Workgroup members arrived at a consensus on the topics to be included. Relevant studies from the literature were assessed for best evidence, supplemented by the collective experience of the workgroup.


RESULTS
For mild atopic dermatitis, emollients, mild potency topical steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors are recommended. For moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, the use of emollients, moderate-to-potent topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, wet dressings, antimicrobials for secondary skin infection, phototherapy, and systemic therapy (e.g. prednisolone, cyclosporine, azathioprine or methotrexate) may be warranted. Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis should be managed in conjunction with a dermatologist.


CONCLUSIONS
Good outcomes can be achieved with an individualised therapeutic approach combined with adequate patient and parental education.
Department of Dermatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
Yong Kwang
YK
Tay
Yuin Chew
YC
Chan
Nisha Suyien
NS
Chandran
Madeline Sl
MS
Ho
Mark Ja
MJ
Koh
Yen Loo
YL
Lim
Mark By
MB
Tang
Thamotharampillai
T
Thirumoorthy
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060085:Coinfection / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D003880:Dermatology; D019468:Disease Management; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010789:Phototherapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012846:Singapore
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D004643:Emollients; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine; D001379:Azathioprine; D008727:Methotrexate