The use of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 FA can help manage symptoms of AD by reducing lesion severity, skin inflammation, dryness and itching, while others show no significant beneficial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FA from fish oil in combination with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from blackcurrant seed oil in children with AD. This is a longitudinal, prospective, randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial. The study was conducted during the 2-year period throughout autumn, winter, and spring, avoiding the summer when AD usually improves. Children were randomized to receive the active study product (Mega Kid®) containing a specific blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes in severity of AD measured using SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), patient-oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) and the difference in topical corticosteroid (TCS) use. The secondary outcomes were changes in itch intensity, sleep quality and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). Data were analyzed for 52 children (26 in the intervention group and 26 in the placebo group). In children receiving the active product, intention-to-treat analysis showed that after 4 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the SCORAD index (from median 42 to 25, p < 0.001) and the use of topical corticosteroids (from median 30 to 10 mg/month, p < 0.001), but also significant improvements in itch, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids in combination with GLA and vitamin D may decrease symptoms and were associated with an improvement clinical picture of AD in children. Therefore, we can conclude that supplementation with this specific combination could be considered a safe and effective intervention that may significantly reduce the severity of AD in pediatric patients.
T(The European Baseline Series (Ebs) Working Party Of The European Society Of Contact Dermatitis (Escd)
The European Baseline Series (Ebs) Working Party Of The European Society Of Contact Dermatitis (Escd)
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Background: Contact allergy is common in children, but no paediatric baseline series ( pEBS ) exists in Europe, despite recommendations in several countries. Objectives: To collect and compare patch testing data from European centres to propose a common pEBS , possibly adapted by age group. Materials and Methods: Data from 13 centres in 12 European countries were aggregated, covering 1816 children (1099 girls, 60.5%), aged 0–16 years, tested with the adult EBS ( aEBS ) and other frequent allergens between 2018 and 2022. Allergen selection followed adult criteria, with a stricter cut‐off for inclusion, requiring at least 1% positive reactions (lower 95% CI ) in children. Results: A total of 17 allergens from the aEBS caused positive reactions in ≥ 1% of children (lower 95% CI ). Common allergens included metals, fragrances, and preservatives. Tixocortol‐21‐pivalate was included despite its lower frequency due to its difficult‐to‐suspect nature. Additional frequent allergens were hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool, Amerchol L‐101, and sorbitan sesquioleate. In total, 18 allergens were identified as potentially qualifying for a pEBS , with a further 7 as recommended additions. Conclusion: Results from patch testing children across europe highlight a common set of frequent allergens, which should be considered for a pEBS.
25 October 2023 in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Many events, including the COVID‐19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient‐oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health‐related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face‐to‐face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face‐to‐face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology‐specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease‐specific instruments.