The caseload, assessment and treatment of atopic dermatitis: a survey of Australian dermatologists.

In early 1995 we surveyed all 250 practicing Australian members of the Australasian College of Dermatologists by a mail-out questionnaire to determine information, such as the caseload imposed by atopic dermatitis, the severity of cases seen by dermatologists, current treatment and dermatologists' satisfaction with treatment. One hundred and forty-nine responses were received. Fifty per cent of patients with atopic dermatitis seen by dermatologists were younger than 10 years, 18% were 10-16 years, and 52% were older than 16 years. Disease was considered to be severe in 18% of patients, moderate in 41% and mild in 41%. Emollients and topical corticosteroids were the most commonly used treatments but there was wide variation in other treatments used by individual dermatologists. Only 10% of respondents were very satisfied with existing treatments for severe atopic dermatitis; 20% of patients with severe disease were considered as refractory or non-responsive. New therapies such as cyclosporin have the potential to improve existing standards of care.