Why Atopic Dermatitis Treatment is Not “One Size Fits All,” According to Jiyeon Oh

Jiyeon Oh, a researcher and MD candidate at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, discussed key takeaways for dermatologists treating patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), based on her recently published literature.

One of the main points Ohemphasized is that AD remains a significant burden for dermatologists, particularly in high-income countries where its prevalence is highest. She stressed that because the disease burden varies by region, a "one size fits all" approach is insufficient. Dermatologists need to consider environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors to personalize treatment strategies. Additionally, the mental health impact of AD is profound. Patients with severe AD often experience anxiety and depression, and Oh encouraged dermatologists to adopt a holistic approach, addressing both the physical symptoms and the psychological aspects of care.

Oh also identified several study limitations, which may influence further research. Notably, the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) did not assess modifiable risk factors for AD, unlike for asthma. While asthma burden was linked to factors such as high BMI, smoking, and pollution, similar analyses were absent for AD, which limits the understanding of environmental and lifestyle contributors to the disease. Oh highlighted the need for future studies to focus on quantifying the burden associated with modifiable risk factors to aid prevention efforts. Additionally, the GBD study relied on fewer data sources for AD compared to asthma, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and standardized collection to enhance the accuracy of prevalence and incidence estimates.

Finally, Oh emphasized the importance of region-specific intervention strategies. In high-income countries, efforts should focus on reducing environmental triggers, expanding treatment access, and integrating mental health support into AD care. Conversely, in lower-income regions, improving healthcare infrastructure and raising awareness of disease management should be prioritized. Overall, she urged dermatologists to advocate for better data collection and healthcare policies to improve long-term disease management for AD.

Want to hear more pearls and expert insights on AD? Join us at the annual Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference this June in Nashville, TN!