Genetic background may predispose patients to AD
Dr. Isabelle Delorme discusses how patients with atopic dermatitis are genetically predisposed to it. (710 words, 2.5 min)
Studies have shown that Black children are six times greater risk of developing atopic dermatitis (AD). During her talk at the Skin Spectrum Summit in Montreal, Dr. Isabelle Delorme discussed the genetic background that may predispose AD.
“Atopy is when people have a predisposition with hyperreactivity,” said Dr. Delorme.
AD is the first manifestation of diseases in the atopic march, followed in order by food allergies, asthma and rhinitis, said Dr. Delorme. However, not all people with atopy will have all of the diseases. “Some people will have one; others will have all of them. But, in general, there is a link that exists between the diseases,” said Dr. Delorme.
“It appears that the skin barrier plays a role, not only in atopic dermatitis but also in the development of food and airborne allergies,” said Dr. Delorme. “There is a sensitization through the skin barrier, which is defective, and that is where the sensitivity to food allergens, such as peanuts or eggs, for example, would appear to pass through the defective skin barrier.”
AD and the remaining diseases in the atopic march are more likely to develop at a young age, according to Dr. Delorme. Children who develop food allergies are also at risk of developing more diseases in the atopic march. Current treatment guidelines recommend applying an emollient to the skin if a child has food allergies, regardless of AD development, to protect the barrier function.
Dr. Delorme also discussed the role of diet in AD. “There is still a lot of conflicting data. Currently, there is not enough evidence to recommend a specific diet to patients as a form of prevention for atopic dermatitis,” she said. However, some foods might aggravate or exacerbate AD, such as fast food, fruit and fish.
The takeaway: Dr. Delorme stressed the importance of providing patients with information and a treatment plan for AD. “We give patients a lot of information, but it is good to provide them with a treatment plan with things clearly written down to help them treat themselves [or their children] properly,” noted Dr. Delorme.
FROM THE LITERATURE ON ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Dupilumab for children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: An Asian perspective
A recent study found dupilumab to be safe and effective for Asian patients with AD between the ages of six and 18 years old. The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 patients with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab for 12 to 16 weeks.
Atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population: A cross-sectional, international epidemiologic study
A global survey of 65,661 respondents from 18 different countries found that AD affects a significant proportion of pediatric patients. The study of children between the ages of six months and 18 years old found that AD prevalence ranged from 2.7 per cent to 20.1 per cent across the countries surveyed, including Canada, U.S. Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Turkey, Japan, and others.
Vitamin D supplementation and severity of atopic dermatitis: pre-post assessment
A study of 152 patients under the age of 14 by researchers in Brazil determined that vitamin D (VD) supplements may help as an adjuvant in reducing AD's severity. The researchers determined AD severity and measured serum VD using a skin prick test. Participants with low VD levels were given VD as a supplement for three months.
VIDEO: Universal strain of bacteria identified as safe treatment for AD
AT THE INTERSECTION OF SKIN AND SOCIETY
According to a report by CBS News, Band-Aid brand has unveiled their new OurTone bandages designed to match a spectrum of skin tones. The brand described its philosophy in releasing a more diverse selection of band-aid colours in an Instagram post. “OURTONE embraces the beauty of brown skin, with bandages designed to better blend with a range of skin tones. Made with our most comfortable fabric, OURTONE provides protection that stretches and flexes as you move,” wrote a representative of the brand, which is owned by Johnson & Johnson. This is not the first time that Band-Aid has released multi-toned bandages, the report notes. In 2005, the brand discontinued the last iteration, known as “Perfect Blend.” The report noted another bandage brand that offers brown-toned options called Tru-Colour, which is a Black-owned business. Read the full article here.
This Week
April is Rosacea Awareness Month
April 7 is Green Shirt Day (organ donation awareness day)
April 7 is World Health Day
Something to think about during the week ahead…
Next Week
Dr. Renée A. Beach looks at diagnostic dilemmas and treatment options for patients with Afro-textured hair.
Thank you to our panellists and delegates for making the Indigenous Skin Spectrum Summit a great success. Conference highlights will soon be posted to the Skin Spectrum website. As always, we welcome your questions and comments on topics in Ethnodermatology.