Japanese guidelines for atopic dermatitis 2020

• Published in: Allergology International 2020-07, Vol.69 (3), p.356-369
• Main Authors: Norito Katoha, Yukihiro Ohyab, Masanori Ikedac, Tamotsu Ebiharad, Ichiro Katayamae, Hidehisa Saekif, Naoki Shimojog, Akio Tanakah, Takeshi Nakaharai, Mizuho Nagaoj, Michihiro Hideh, Yuji Fujitag, Takao Fujisawak, Masaki Futamural, Koji Masudaa, Hiroyuki Murotam, Kiwako Yamamoto-Hanadab, Committee for Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis, The Japanese Society of Allergology, The Japanese Dermatology Association
• Format: Article
• Language: Japanese
• ISSN: 1323-8930

[ABSTRACT] Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease characterized by relapsing eczema with pruritus as a primary lesion, which is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Skin barrier dysfunction leads to enhanced skin irritability to non-specific stimuli and epicutaneous sensitization. In the lesion site, a further inflammation-related reduction in skin barrier function, enhanced irritability and scratching-related stimuli deteriorate eczema, leading to vicious cycle of inflammation. The current strategies to treat AD in Japan from the perspective of evidence-based medicine consist of three primary measures: (i) the use of topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus ointment as the main treatment for the inflammation; (ii) topical application of emollients to treat the cutaneous barrier dysfunction; and (iii) avoidance of apparent exacerbating factors, psychological counseling and advice about daily life. The guidelines present recommendations to review clinical research articles, evaluate the balance between the advantages and disadvantages of medical activities, and optimize medical activity-related patient outcomes with respect to several important points requiring decision-making in clinical practice.