Clinical efficacy of emollients in atopic dermatitis patients
Oct. 2024
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease causing itchiness. It is characterized by a damaged skin barrier, a skin inflammation, and an imbalanced skin microbiome. As for the visible signs, redness, erythema and scaly patches are most common. Even in patients with a typical distribution and morphology of lesions, the appearance of AD varies based on skin color. Unfortunately, skin of color (SOC) patients are under-represented in dermatology and in AD clinical trials. This may impact clinicians’ ability to diagnose AD in patients of colour (1,2,3).
1 - Hirano SA, Murray SB, Harvey VM. Reporting, representation, and subgroup analysis of race and ethnicity in published clinical trials of atopic dermatitis in the United States between 2000 and 2009. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(6): 749-755.
2 - Chatrath S, Bradley L, Kentosh J. Dermatologic conditions in skin of color compared to white patients: similarities, differences, and special considerations. Arch Dermatol Res.2023;315(5):1089-1097.
3 - Sevagamoorthy A, Sockler P, Akoh C, et al. Racial and ethnic diversity of US participants in clinical trials for acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis: a comprehensive review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(8):3086-3097.
2 - Chatrath S, Bradley L, Kentosh J. Dermatologic conditions in skin of color compared to white patients: similarities, differences, and special considerations. Arch Dermatol Res.2023;315(5):1089-1097.
3 - Sevagamoorthy A, Sockler P, Akoh C, et al. Racial and ethnic diversity of US participants in clinical trials for acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis: a comprehensive review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(8):3086-3097.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO AD DIFFERENCES
SKIN BARRIER
- MELANIN: Higher melanin levels in darker skin may impact barrier function and immune response
- FILAGGRIN GENE VARIATIONS: More common in darker skin, increasing AD risk
IMMUNE SYSTEM
- GENE EXPRESSION AND INFLAMMATORY PATHWAYS: Differences between phototypes, influencing disease presentation and severity
ENVIRONMENT
- SUN EXPOSURE: Increases AD risk and hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin.
- OTHER FACTORS: Urban living, climate, hygiene, allergens, and microbes interact with genes to impact AD.
AD IN LIGHTER AND DARKER PHOTOTYPES
HOW DOES IT MANIFEST?
IMPACT OF AD ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE
