Current research status of pediatric atopic dermatitis in Korea

ABSTRACT

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common allergic inflammatory skin disorder that occurs primarily in children, with a prevalence of 10% to 20% of children worldwide. Genetic factors, environmental factors, immune dysfunction and skin barrier dysfunction play a role in its development. Because there are no definitive laboratory tests, the diagnosis of AD is made based on a combination of clinical symptoms. Since ‘The Study Group for Atopic Dermatitis’ in Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Diseases was established in 2003, references regarding research and clinical trials for AD have been increasing. However, those studies were mostly limited to pathogenesis, etiology and clinical symptoms. Education of patients and family members regarding the pathogenesis, treatment goal, prognosis of the disease plays an extremely important role in managing and improving the quality of life of AD. For the personalized, optimizing and communicating management plans, more studies focused on the phenotype of AD and new therapeutic strategies are required.