Management of mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis with topical treatments by dermatologists: a questionnaire‐based study

Needs edits as it misses the important point of specifying the non-corticosteroids and should not be in the past tense. “Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disease that causes red, dry skin patches that may itch intensely, and may be persistent or intemittent. Most patients with mild-to-moderate AD use topical corticosteroids or topical non-steroids to help them get better. This study looked at how dermatologists treat AD in different parts of the world. Dermatologists in North America, the Middle East, Asia, South America and the UK were asked questions about how they treat AD with topical medications. Most dermatologists use a type of cream or ointment called topical corticosteroids (TCSs) as the first treatment for ≤ 4 weeks. Weaker TCSs are used for younger patients and sensitive parts of the body. After using TCSs for a few weeks, patients visit their dermatologist to check if the treatment is working. Dermatologists advise patients to continue with the same TCS, use less of the TCS or change to non-steroid topical creams or ointments such as calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborole or topical JAK inhibitors. Sometimes treatments are changed if the patient's skin becomes infected, reacts badly to the medication or there are concerns about side effects. Patients also change treatment if their AD worsens. Sometimes it is difficult for patients to access treatments where they live. This study gives important information about how dermatologists treat mild-to-moderate AD. Treatment depends on factors like the patient's age, how severe the disease is, and if the patient is worried about using some creams and ointments. This information should help dermatologists plan the best treatment for patients with AD.