A GLOBAL study of atopic dermatitis (AD) has suggested that the condition has been underestimated as a public health concern among adults over the age of 60.
AD, or eczema, typically appears during childhood but is often accompanied by long-term complications into adulthood.
Moderate-to-severe AD conditions are more prominent in older adults, who are also more susceptible to comorbidities prone to worsening from AD treatment.
"Although children represent a key population for AD prevention and treatment, the condition in the older adult cannot be overlooked," wrote the authors.
"Compared with young AD patients, decreased barrier functionalities due to aging may elevate the vulnerability to environmental stimuli, potentially resulting in systemic sensitisation and predisposing older adult individuals with AD to type 2 immune reactions," they added.
The researchers found that while AD burden decreased in general from 1990 to 2021, cases in over 60s increased, with a sharp rise at age 75.
Older people in high-income countries were more likely to be affected, as were women.
"Consequently, targeted strategies for the effective prevention and management of AD in the older adult are needed to address the impending challenge," concluded the authors.
Read the paper HERE.
Meanwhile, researchers have found that roflumilast foam (Zoryve) can be successfully used to treat psoriasis on both the scalp and the body.
People who have the condition on both their scalp and body often need multiple prescription products, with many treatments not suitable for use under hair.
After eight weeks of treatment, 66.4% and 45.5% of the roflumilast group were clear or almost clear of psoriasis on their scalp and body respectively, compared to 27.8% and 20.1% in a placebo group who used a similar foam without the active ingredient.
The once-daily steroid-free topical treatment is also available as a cream, and is indicated for atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis.
Read the paper HERE. KB
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