| Abstract | INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Southeast Asian dermatologists in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 255 dermatologists in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. RESULTS: Familiarity with diagnostic criteria varied considerably. The usage of moisturisers by the respondents from Vietnam and Indonesia was significantly less frequent than the other countries. Most respondents (91% to 100%) used topical corticosteroids in children with mild-to-moderately severe dermatitis. Some respondents in the Philippines (17% to 19%) and Vietnam (11% to 25%) only used topical corticosteroids for severe disease. For infected eczema, most respondents would prescribe systemic antibiotics for mild-to-moderate infection. A minority in the Philippines (14%) and Vietnam (11%) did so only for severe infection. The top 4 systemic antibiotics prescribed most frequently were: erythromycin, cloxacillin, cephalosporin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. In Indonesia, a large proportion of the respondents (47%) prescribed amoxicillin most frequently. The majority of respondents (60% to 100%) prescribed both sedating and non-sedating oral antihistamines. Most respondents used oral corticosteroids to treat severe AD. Some in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam used cyclosporin (7% to 58%), azathioprine (5% to 31%) and methotrexate (5% to 14%). With the exception of those in Singapore, the majority of respondents (71% to 97%) did not use phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Familiarity with diagnostic criteria, the early and judicious use of moisturisers and topical corticosteroids, as well as the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus superinfection with penicillinase-stable antibiotics should be emphasised in this region. |
| Authors | Yuin-Chew Chan, Yong-Kwang Tay, Titi-Lestari Sugito, Siti Aisah Boediardja, Duong-Dinh Chau, Khac-Vien Nguyen, Kim-Chye Yee, Mardziah Alias, Suraiya Hussein, Ma Victoria Dizon, Francisca Roa, Yiong-Huak Chan, Siriwan Wananukul, Preya Kullavanijaya, Srisupalak Singalavanija, Wai-Kwong Cheong
(Affiliation: National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205.)
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| Journal | Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
(Ann Acad Med Singapore)
Vol. 35
Issue 11
Pg. 794-803
(Nov 2006)
ISSN: 0304-4602 Singapore |
| PMID | 17160196
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
|
| Chemical References |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
- Glucocorticoids
- Histamine H1 Antagonists
- Hypnotics and Sedatives
|
| Topics |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Asia, Southeastern
(epidemiology)
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
- Drug Administration Routes
- Glucocorticoids
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Histamine H1 Antagonists
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Hypnotics and Sedatives
(therapeutic use)
- Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
- Population Surveillance
- Severity of Illness Index
|
