Ann Dermatol.  2015 Oct;27(5):563-577. 10.5021/ad.2015.27.5.563.

Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part I): General Management and Topical Treatment

• Kim JE
• Kim HJ
• Lew BL
• Lee KH
• Hong SP
• Jang YH
• Park KY
• Seo SJ
• Bae JM
• Choi EH
• Suhr KB
• Lee SC
• Ko HC
• Park YL
• Son SW
• Seo YJ
• Lee YW
• Cho SH
• Park CW
• Roh JY

• KMID: 2171457
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2015.27.5.563

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Since the treatment guidelines for atopic dermatitis (AD) were released by the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) work group in 2006, there have been several advances in AD management.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to establish updated evidence- and experience-based treatment guidelines for Korean AD.
METHODS
We collected a database of references from relevant systematic AD reviews and guidelines regarding general AD management such as bathing and skin care, avoidance of exacerbating factors, education and psychosocial support, and the use of moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory and antipruritic drugs. Evidence for each statement was graded and the strength of the recommendation for each statement classified. Thirty-nine KADA council members participated in three rounds of voting to establish an expert consensus of recommendations.
RESULTS
Basic AD treatment includes proper bathing and skin care, avoidance of exacerbating factors, proper education and psychosocial support, and use of moisturizers. The regular use of moisturizer has a steroid-sparing effect and reduces relapse episodes. The short- and long-term use of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors improves AD symptoms and should be encouraged to use in an active and proactive treatment. Wet-wrap therapy can be used for rapid recovery of acute exacerbation. Topical antipruritic drugs cannot be recommended for the treatment of AD.
CONCLUSION
This report provides up-to-date evidence- and experience-based treatment guidelines for AD regarding general management and topical treatment. In addition, the average agreement scores obtained by a panel of experts based on the Korean healthcare system and patient adherence are presented.

Keyword

Administration; topical; Guideline; Therapeutics

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Antipruritics
Baths
Calcineurin
Consensus*
Delivery of Health Care
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Education
Korea*
Patient Compliance
Politics
Recurrence
Skin Care
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Antipruritics
Calcineurin

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The fingertip unit (FTU) method is used in to determine the amount of topical corticosteroids (TCS) or calcineurin inhibitors to apply. The amount from the distal skin crease to the tip of an adult patient's index finger is equivalent to approximately 0.5 g TCS. 1 FTU generally covers the surface area of two palms.

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