BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition among Asians. Recent studies have shown that Asian AD has a unique clinical and immunologic phenotype compared with European/American AD.ObjectiveThe Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Expert Panel on Atopic Dermatitis developed this reference guide to provide a holistic and evidence-based approach in managing AD among Asians.MethodsElectronic searches were performed to retrieve relevant systematic reviews and guidelines on AD. Recommendations were appraised for level of evidence and strength of recommendation based on the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidelines. These practice points were based on the consensus recommendations discussed during the Asia Pacific Meeting of Experts in Dermatology held in Bali, Indonesia in October 2016 and April 2017.ResultsThe Expert Panel recommends an approach to treatment based on disease severity. The use of moisturizers is recommended across all levels of AD severity, while topical steroids are recommended only for flares not controlled by conventional skin care and moisturizers. Causes of waning efficacy must be explored before using topical corticosteroids of higher potency. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are recommended for patients who have become recalcitrant to steroid, in chronic uninterrupted use, and when there is steroid atrophy, or when there is a need to treat sensitive areas and pediatric patients. Systemic steroids have a limited role in AD treatment and should be avoided if possible. Educational programs that allow a patient-centered approach in AD management are recommended as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Recommendations on the use of phototherapy, systemic drugs, and emerging treatments are also included.ConclusionThe management of AD among Asians requires a holistic approach, integrating evidence-based treatments while considering accessibility and cultural acceptability.

BackgroundStevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) with high mortality and have a significant public health impact because of high mortality and morbidity.ObjectiveTo describe data the epidemiological features, etiology, and treatment of retrospectively reviewed data of all patients with SJS and TEN.MethodsRetrospective study was conducted in patients with SJS and TEN treated from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013 in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung, Indonesia.ResultsA total of 57 patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty-nine cases of SJS (21 males and 18 females), 7 cases of SJS overlapping TEN (4 males and 3 females), and 11 cases of TEN (5 males and 6 females) were reported. All cases of SJS and TEN were caused by drugs, such as paracetamol (16.56%), carbamazepine (7%), amoxicillin (5.73%), ibuprofen (4.46%), rifampicin (3.18%), and trihexyphenidyl (3.18%). All cases were treated systemically with corticosteroid alone (100%). Seven from 57 patients (12,28%) died; 5 cases developed sepsis and 2 cases developed respiratory failure. The mortality rate was 7.69% in SJS, 0% in SJS/TEN overlap, and 36.36% in TEN.ConclusionThe role of systemic corticosteroids in SJS and TEN are still controversial, but with a prompt and earlier treatment reduces mortality and improves outcomes of SJS and TEN patients.

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is known to be associated with allergic diseases. It is also suggested that TSLP has a role in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis; however, the associated pathways remain unknown. There is currently little information on TSLP in psoriasis vulgaris. We investigated TSLP expressions on lesional and non-lesional skin of psoriasis vulgaris patients using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction. TSLP level was also investigated in serum from psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to healthy control using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TSLP expression was higher in lesional skin (1.90) compared to non-lesional skin (1.76); however, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TSLP serum levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients (287.40 pg/dL) as compared to controls (114.70 pg/dL) (P<0.05). This study concluded that TSLP levels in the serum of psoriasis vulgaris patients are higher than controls. TSLP was also found in keratinocyte of psoriasis patients, the expression was higher in the lesional compared to non-lesional skin; however, this difference is statistically insignificant. These findings suggest that TSLP may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris, but its exact role remains unclear.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) and psoriasis are chronic recurrent inflammatory skin diseases. The pathogenesis of concurrence of BP with psoriasis is still unknown. A 39-year-old male with a five-year history of chronic plaque psoriasis developed itchy large tense bullae on the trunk and upper extremities after he had been receiving narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy over five months. Skin biopsy from bulla on the trunk showed typical histological features of BP. Direct immunofluorescent staining showed deposit of immunoglobulin G and C3 in the basement membrane zone (BMZ) which supported the diagnosis of BP. It has been postulated that the autoimmune process responsible for BP lesions might be induced by ultraviolet light therapy and/or the inflammatory processes that occur in psoriasis.