The latest research and treatments relating to the skin disorder atopic dermatitis was explained at the latest Grand Rounds hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).
Dr Martin Steinhoff, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), discussed the biological pathways involved in atopic dermatitis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, characterised by red, swollen and cracked skin that can be intensely itchy. Patients with atopic dermatitis also have abnormally dry skin, which leads to itching and scratching.
Dr Steinhoff, who is also a Clinical Professor at Qatar University, said that chronic itch should not be considered a trivial symptom because of the severe detrimental impact it has on a person’s quality of life.
Chronic itching is comparable to chronic pain. It can be a source of near constant torment for the patient. This can lead to depression, social withdrawal and even suicidal feelings. We also know that patients who are successfully treated experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life.’
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, frequently occurs in people who suffer from allergies. Atopic indicates a predisposition to develop allergic hypersensitivity against certain allergens like house dust, mites, animals or food.
Dr Steinhoff also said that researchers are attempting to improve their understanding of atopic dermatitis by investigating the interaction between the nervous system, which transmits the itching sensation from the skin to the brain, and the immune system. This interaction appears to be important in producing inflammation and itch.
Dr Steinhoff also discussed therapies for eczema and pruritus (itching) which include topical corticosteroids, daily use of emollients, avoidance of known allergic triggers, self-care techniques aimed at reducing scratching and products to relieve itching.
He also spoke about recently developed therapies, such as biologic drugs, which can inhibit immune response and therefore limit inflammation. This class of drugs, which are known as ‘biologics’, includes Anti-IL4/13 and Anti-IL-31.
The activity was accredited locally by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department (QCHP-AD) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
The WCM-Q Grand Rounds series is part of the school’s continuing professional development programme for healthcare professionals across the country.
For more information, visit their website at qatar-weill.cornell.edu.
