European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis statement on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐Cov‐2) infection and atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease with elevated risk of respiratory comorbidities. 1,2 Severely affected patients are often treated with immune-modulating systemic drugs. 3,4 On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the 2019 novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-Cov-2) epidemic to be a pandemic. The number of cases worldwide is increasing exponentially and poses a major health threat, especially for those who are elderly and immunocompromised, or have comorbidities. This also applies to AD patients on systemic immune-modulating treatment. In these days of uncertainty, reallocation of medical resources, curfew, hoarding and shutdown of normal social life, patients, caregivers and doctors ask questions regarding the continuation of systemic immunemodulating treatment of AD patients. The ETFAD decided to address some of these questions here: What do we recommend for AD patients treated with immune-modulating therapy at times of SARS-Cov-2 pandemic?

European Task Force on Contact Dermatitis statement on coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) outbreak and the risk of adverse cutaneous reactions

“…Alcohol-based hand solutions containing glycerin as moisturizer were studied intensively and are recommended to replace traditional soaps for handwashing within healthcare facilities. 4,5 Although these solutions are better tolerated than standard detergents, 5,6 the additional regular use of a fragrance-free 7 emollient after these procedures greatly improves its acceptance, as already stated by Wollenberg et al 8 It is recommendable to protect the hands with a fragrance-free, lighter moisturizing lotion during the day after each handwashing procedure and a fragrance-free, lipid-rich moisturizer before bedtime. True allergic reactions to alcohol-based formulations are very rare.…”

“…Balato, 1 F. Ayala, 2 M. Bruze, 3 M.-N. Crepy, 4,5 M. Gonc ßalo, 6 J. Johansen, 7 S.M. John, 8,9,10 1 This unprecedented virus has caused global pandemic and over 2 300 000 cases worldwide in total number, 2 which has been bringing tremendous pressure and challenges to medical institutions and clinical staff around the world. 2019-nCoV can be transmitted by droplets primarily, while it has been reported that surface contact transmission exists as well.…”

No evidence of increased risk for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients treated with Dupilumab for atopic dermatitis in a high‐epidemic area – Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy

“…6,7 We have decided to advise patients treated with biological drugs to scrupulously comply with hygiene rules and protective devices use, to avoid crowded places, to maintain social distancing and not to spontaneously suspend ongoing therapy but to inform the dermatologist in case of the onset of symptoms as suggested by the Italian Society of Dermatologists (SIDeMaST) 8 and by the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis (ETFAD). 9 We report below our experience with patients treated with biological therapy for atopic dermatitis in Bergamo, an area of high epidemic for COVID-19.…”

SARS‐CoV‐2 asymptomatic infection in a patient under treatment with dupilumab

“….in a situation such as COVID-19 pandemic'. 1 We would like to report the case of a 72-year-old man affected by severe atopic dermatitis (histologically ascertained), who is under treatment with dupilumab since November 2019, with excellent clinical results.…”