What exactly is atopic dermatitis, and who is most susceptible to it? Is there a cure for this condition? And what does “Type 2 inflammation” mean—does it refer to the skin inflammation we often hear about? These are pressing questions that many individuals and patients face, highlighting the urgent need for reliable health education and expert insight.
On October 27, 2023, it was announced that the 2024 Sakura Skin Health Academic Week will be held online. This event is a crucial part of the “Three-Year Action Plan for Skin Health (2024-2026)” initiated by the Dermatology and Venereology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. A new series of educational resources, titled “Atopic Dermatitis: 365 Questions,” has officially begun development.
This upcoming book aims to address real questions from patients, ensuring that the inquiries are patient-centered while also providing accessible answers. During the launch event, several dermatology experts engaged in in-depth discussions about the causes, symptoms, and standardized treatments for atopic dermatitis. The answers to these and other related queries will be readily available in “Atopic Dermatitis: 365 Questions.” The book will also include dedicated chapters offering practical advice for patients, assisting them in effectively managing their condition to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
The collaborative effort of over a hundred experts will systematically cover the foundational knowledge, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies related to atopic dermatitis. The book will seamlessly blend authoritative, engaging content with innovative illustrations, making it informative, entertaining, and user-friendly. It aims to comprehensively address various aspects of atopic dermatitis—from basic information to treatment management and from daily care to psychological adjustment—so that patients can easily understand and utilize the information.
Professor Gao Xinghua, Chair of the Dermatology and Venereology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and Chief Editor of the book, emphasized during the launch that our skin, being the largest organ of the human body, serves crucial functions such as protection, temperature regulation, and sensation. It is also a direct reflection of personal charm and confidence. The Three-Year Action Plan for Skin Health is designed to tackle skin health challenges by bringing together various resources to enhance public awareness and prevention strategies. Additionally, the plan focuses on training healthcare professionals and fostering research innovation, with the goal of making healthy skin a cornerstone of public happiness and confidence.
Not only is “Atopic Dermatitis: 365 Questions” a practical resource, but it also serves as a bridge connecting patients to healthcare providers and linking health knowledge with disease management. Yang Jin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Health Publishing House, expressed hope that this book will act as a “compass” for patients seeking standardized treatment and scientific care, empowering them to confront their condition, seek medical assistance, and work alongside healthcare providers to restore skin health and improve their quality of life.
Professor Cui Yong, Vice Chair of the Dermatology and Venereology Branch and Deputy Director of the Japan-China Friendship Hospital, highlighted that this educational book will help readers gain a clearer understanding of the disease and acquire effective methods for standardized treatment. This aligns with the implementation of the Three-Year Action Plan for Skin Health and the broader objectives of the Healthy China 2030 strategy. He emphasized that atopic dermatitis, often referred to as the “number one disease” in dermatology, requires collective societal attention for proper prevention and treatment.
Professor Cui further explained that atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing, systemic inflammatory disease characterized primarily by dryness, itching, and chronic eczema-like lesions. Patients often endure intense itching, significant skin lesions, and sleep disturbances, all of which profoundly affect their mental and physical well-being. Those diagnosed with atopic dermatitis are at an increased risk of developing related conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. It is crucial to recognize that atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease and that addressing its root causes through ongoing treatment is vital for achieving treatment goals. Innovative therapies, such as biologics, specifically target Type 2 inflammation and can effectively help patients manage their condition.
The publication of “Atopic Dermatitis: 365 Questions” is planned for mid-2024. In the future, the Dermatology and Venereology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association aims to leverage this comprehensive resource in public and grassroots education initiatives, optimizing communication between dermatologists and patients, and breaking down barriers to knowledge.
