"Some say we missed the boat in not making coherent recommendations to parents about it. We got some very pointed comments," he conceded.
He noted that a systematic review presented at last year’s International Symposium on Atopic Dermatitis concluded that topical steroid withdrawal is a real phenomenon distinct from other topical steroid side effects. It comes in two rosacea-like variants: an erythroedematous form and a papulopustular form. An atopic dermatitis patient’s report of a burning sensation upon cessation of topical steroid therapy is a red flag.
Despite the occasional missed opportunity in drawing up the first AAD atopic guidelines in 10 years, the process was richly rewarding, Dr. Sidbury said. And although experts will continue to debate the unresolved controversies in atopic dermatitis, for him the most important lesson to emerge from the panel’s comprehensive review of the evidence was strikingly clear: "Time and time again, education trumps all. Education of patients and families leads to the best outcomes. I think that’s an important lesson to take home," he said.
Dr. Sidbury had no financial conflicts to disclose.