Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) also called atopic eczema, eczema, is a common
chronic, inflammatory skin disease.1,2 It is
characterized by pruritus, dryness, and inflammation. The chronic course
of the disease and recurrent episodes impose a severe physical and
mental burden on patients and their families. The incidence of AD is
10~20% in children and 5% in
adults.3-5 AD usually begins in childhood with 90% of
patients having an onset before age five.6 The
occurrence of AD is mainly related to genetics, immune function, skin
barrier function, some allergen triggers such as dust mites, pollen,
food, synthetic
fibers,
woolens,
sweat, sunshine, and infections, etc. In addition, non-immune factors
such as stress, anxiety and other negative emotions can also aggravate
AD.7-14 The diagnosis of AD is based on the clinical
history and skin symptoms, other tests such as patch testing and food
challenge test are also used.15,16 The worldwide
diagnosis criteria are Williams Diagnostic Criteria from the UK and
Hanifin-Rajka Diagnostic Criteria.17,18
The incidence of AD has been on the rise worldwide in recent years, and
the treatment of AD has received continuous attention, with different
countries and organizations issuing a series of guidelines and consensus
recommendations on the management of AD.19 Although
there are differences in treatment concepts and approaches to the
management of AD for many factors such as different regions, dietary
structures and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, it is necessary to
evaluate and review the current guidelines to apply high-quality
evidence available.
The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate the existing guideline
evidence for the management of AD in children, and (b) to evaluate the
similarities and inconsistencies in recommendations of guidelines for
the management of AD in children.