A Consensus on Staphylococcus aureus Exacerbated Atopic Dermatitis and the Need for a Novel Treatment

J Drugs Dermatol. 2024 Oct 1;23(10):825-832. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2024.8240.

Abstract

The skin microbiome is essential for skin barrier function because it inhibits pathogen colonization, and decreased microbiome diversity correlates with increased Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) burden and atopic dermatitis (AD) severity. Managing S. aureuss-driven AD in clinical practice remains problematic due to complications such as AD exacerbation, impetigo, abscesses, and invasive infections. This project used a modified Delphi process comprising face-to-face discussions followed by a blinded vote to define 5 final consensus statements. A panel of 6 pediatric dermatologists developed a consensus on S. aureus-driven AD exacerbation, challenges in current treatments for AD with secondary bacterial infections, and new developments to improve patient care and outcomes. The panel's 5 consensus statements provide recommendations for dermatologists, pediatricians, and healthcare providers treating patients with secondary infected AD. These recommendations underscore the importance of recognizing and managing S. aureus skin infection in AD clinical practice and promoting antibiotic stewardship to mitigate resistance. The panel defined a significant unmet need for a single topical AD therapy effective against all symptoms, including pruritus, S. aureus-driven AD exacerbation, infection, and inflammation, across AD severity levels. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(10):825-832. doi:10.36849/JDD.8240.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship / standards
  • Consensus*
  • Delphi Technique*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic* / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic* / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Atopic* / microbiology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic* / therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / microbiology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections* / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections* / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections* / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections* / therapy
  • Staphylococcus aureus* / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents