ROADMAP TO ATOPIC DERMATITIS
in Latin America

The lack of data on atopic dermatitis (AD) that exists within Latin America (LA) indicates the need for a consensus paper that conceptualizes this dermatologic condition in Regional areas that do not receive sufficient funding and access for research and clinical trials.

AD, also known as eczema, is a common, pruritic inflammatory, allergy-based dermatologic condition that typically affects the face, neck, back, arms, and legs. “Atopic march” describes the progressive worsening of AD symptoms. The march may begin with food or other common allergies that lead to subsequent allergic disease at other epithelial barrier surfaces, potentially causing conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. AD usually begins in early infancy, but symptoms and flares can continue into adulthood. AD has a broad range of severity, with the most severe lasting into adulthood. Other complications from AD include chronically itchy and scaly skin, skin infections, irritant hand dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and sleep problems.

In August 2021, AHF convened a meeting of Latin American experts on AD via Zoom to develop recommendations for increasing the epidemiological data collection in the Region. The manuscript entitled “Atopic Dermatitis in Latin America: A Roadmap to Address Data Collection, Knowledge Gaps, and Challenges Ahead” has been published at Dermatitis. To read the full article, click here.