Summary

Atopic dermatitis (AD) also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin condition. It typically starts in early childhood, decreases in young adulthood and middle age, and then increases again in older adults. The prevalence of AD is higher in high-income countries, but it is also on the rise in middle- and low-income nations.

As a chronic and relapsing disease, atopic dermatitis inflicts significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens on patients and their caregivers.

Children with severe AD often experience greater disease severity with these inflammatory diseases, putting a heavy strain on household finances.

Only a minority of people with AD can afford the complex treatment regimen required to manage the disease.

Subsidies for evidence-based AD therapies will ensure that the treatments are made accessible to a wider patient base, while funding for clinical and health economics research will help inform treatment modality and related policies.

Malaysia has the capacity and resources to ensure that people with atopic dermatitis get the proper diagnosis, effective treatment, and necessary care.

“Improving the Quality of Care for Atopic Dermatitis in Malaysia” is a report by the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, commissioned and supported by Sanofi-Aventis (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.