{"id":938,"date":"2026-08-27T16:45:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T08:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/consider-assessment\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T11:59:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T03:59:42","slug":"consider-assessment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/consider-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"When to arrange an assessment?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-30 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-27992cd7\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-27992cd7\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-b90158af\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-b90158af\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-b90158af\"><div class=\"vce vce-separator-container vce-separator--align-center vce-separator--style-solid\" id=\"el-1e079ede\" data-vce-do-apply=\"margin el-1e079ede\"><div class=\"vce-separator vce-separator--color-bfc0c1 vce-separator--width-100 vce-separator--thickness-1\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border padding background  el-1e079ede\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-30 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-7e0778d8\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-7e0778d8\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-82p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-5aa3ee2f\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-5aa3ee2f\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-5aa3ee2f\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-552ad56f\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-552ad56f\"><h2><strong><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><span style=\"color: #756464;\">When to arrange an assessment<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-18p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last\" id=\"el-00bf85fe\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-00bf85fe\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-00bf85fe\"><div class=\"vcv-row-control-wrapper\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-10 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-0d29de95\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-0d29de95\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-70p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-f2dcefc6\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-f2dcefc6\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-f2dcefc6\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-d1f1a119\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-d1f1a119\"><p><span style=\"color: #756464;\">Consider assessment if\uff1a<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-44dd1366\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-44dd1366\">\n<ul>\n<span style=\"color: #756464;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464;\">Eczema is not controlled despite regular emollients and over-the-counter treatment<p><\/p>\n<\/span><\/li><li>Itch is disturbing sleep \u2014 yours or your child's\n<\/li><li>Flares are recurring every few weeks\n<\/li><li>You are using topical steroids frequently and want a plan that reduces them\n<\/li><li>You are worried about steroid side effects and have been avoiding treatment as a result\n<\/li><li>Skin is weeping, crusting, painful, or suddenly worse \u2014 this may be infection\n<\/li><li>Hand eczema is affecting your work\n<\/li><li>Adult-onset eczema, or a rash that has changed character\n<\/li><li>You would like to know whether phototherapy or newer systemic treatments are appropriate for you\n<\/li><li>The condition is affecting mood, confidence, school or work\n<\/li>\n<\/span><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-30p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last\" id=\"el-55d13770\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-55d13770\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-55d13770\"><div class=\"vce-single-image-container vce-single-image--align-center\"><div class=\"vce vce-single-image-wrapper\" id=\"el-9f1a35f7\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-9f1a35f7\"><figure><div class=\"vce-single-image-figure-inner\" style=\"width: 800px;\"><div class=\"vce-single-image-inner vce-single-image--absolute\" style=\"width: 100%; padding-bottom: 66.625%;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"vce-single-image\" src=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/photo-1508009219918-7d528f269841.jpg\" data-img-src=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/photo-1508009219918-7d528f269841.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"304\" alt=\"\u6fd5\u75b9 \u75d5\u7662 \u9999\u6e2f\" title=\"Eczema_treatment_skinmedical\"><\/div><\/div><figcaption hidden=\"\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-10 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-0cb728d0\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-0cb728d0\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-9416737b\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-9416737b\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-9416737b\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-8f9b7256\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-8f9b7256\"><p><span style=\"color: #756464;\">\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>Seek urgent medical attention<\/strong> for widespread painful clustered blisters or punched-out erosions with fever \u2014 possible eczema herpeticum.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-10 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" vce-box-shadow=\"el-0e4a0706\" id=\"el-0e4a0706\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-0e4a0706\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-d94d1cc2\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-d94d1cc2\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-d94d1cc2\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-c9861e94\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-c9861e94\"><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><strong>Prognosis: what to expect<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-3c3d78e9\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-3c3d78e9\"><p><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><strong>In children<\/strong>. The majority improve substantially with age. Roughly 60% of childhood cases clear or become much milder by adolescence. However, \"clear\" is not quite the right word \u2014 the tendency to dry, sensitive skin usually persists lifelong, and hand eczema in adulthood is common, particularly in occupations involving wet work. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><strong>Predictors of a more persistent course<\/strong>: early onset with severe disease, widespread involvement in childhood, filaggrin mutation, strong family history, high total IgE, coexisting asthma or allergic rhinitis, and adult-onset disease. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><strong>In adults<\/strong>. Adult atopic dermatitis tends to be more persistent and to run a chronic relapsing course. It is, however, highly treatable \u2014 and the systemic options now available mean severe adult eczema is no longer the intractable problem it was even ten years ago. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-2cdf6b17\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-2cdf6b17\"><p><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><strong>Realistic expectations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<span style=\"color: #756464;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464;\">The goal is <strong>long-term control<\/strong>, not cure. Framed honestly, that means: clear or nearly clear skin most of the time, sleeping through the night, and flares that are infrequent, mild and quickly settled.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Emollients and a maintenance routine continue even when the skin looks normal. This is the price of stability and it is not negotiable.<\/li>\n<li>Flares will happen. A written flare plan \u2014 what to apply, how much, for how long, and when to seek help \u2014 converts a crisis into a manageable event.<\/li>\n<li>Improvement follows a sawtooth pattern, not a straight line. Judge progress over months.<\/li>\n<li>Post-inflammatory pigmentation fades over months once inflammation is controlled.<\/li>\n<li>With modern treatment, the majority of patients with even severe disease can expect substantial improvement.<\/li>\n<\/span><\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-0 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-313a057c\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-313a057c\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-f2e76987\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-f2e76987\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-f2e76987\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-2e66fe41\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-2e66fe41\"><h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #756464;\"><strong>Living with atopic dermatitis in Hong Kong<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Local conditions create specific problems worth planning around.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-5 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-5a6e408d\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-5a6e408d\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-235dee0a\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-235dee0a\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-235dee0a\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-2d9c1846\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-2d9c1846\"><p><strong>Humidity and heat<\/strong>. Sweat is a genuine trigger. Shower promptly after sweating, use lighter emollient formulations from May to September, and choose loose cotton clothing. This is one of the few situations where advice imported from European guidelines needs local adjustment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first\" id=\"el-c43d91c0\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-c43d91c0\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-c43d91c0\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-e71bc948\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-e71bc948\"><p><strong>Air conditioning<\/strong>. Offices, MTR and homes are dehumidifying for much of the year, and air-conditioned dryness is a major driver of winter-pattern flares even in a subtropical climate. A humidifier at the bedside is often more useful than another cream.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last\" id=\"el-ac7cb86c\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-ac7cb86c\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-ac7cb86c\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-75867b6a\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-75867b6a\"><p><strong>Dust mite<\/strong>. Hong Kong's humidity supports high dust mite levels. Mite-proof mattress and pillow covers and hot washing of bedding are reasonable for patients with demonstrated sensitisation. Blanket avoidance measures for everyone are not evidence-based.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-5 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-e394476b\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-e394476b\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-93e04527\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-93e04527\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-93e04527\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-ea32f7b4\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-ea32f7b4\"><p><strong>Housing<\/strong>. Compact, poorly ventilated flats can mean high humidity and mould alongside dust mite. Worth asking about.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first\" id=\"el-f009f126\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-f009f126\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-f009f126\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-b60cd4aa\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-b60cd4aa\"><p><strong>School and work<\/strong>. Children with disturbed sleep underperform, and this is frequently attributed to the child rather than to the eczema. A letter to a school explaining the condition and permitting emollient application during the day is often genuinely useful.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last\" id=\"el-520f9c87\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-520f9c87\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-520f9c87\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-c09cd358\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-c09cd358\"><p><strong>Traditional Chinese medicine<\/strong>. Many patients use TCM alongside conventional treatment, and there is no need to be adversarial about it. Two practical points: some oral Chinese herbal preparations have been associated with liver toxicity, and some topical products have been found to contain undeclared steroids. Tell whoever is treating you what else you are using \u2014 the risk comes from the combination being unknown, not from the choice itself.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-10 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-581211d2\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-581211d2\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-4642d31e\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-4642d31e\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-4642d31e\"><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-30 vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-c0734aa2\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-c0734aa2\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-20p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-3dc13f80\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-3dc13f80\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-3dc13f80\"><div class=\"vce-features vce-var-icon vce-features--style-filled-circle vce-features--size-small\" style=\"--iconAlignment: center; --iconColor: rgb(255, 255, 255); --iconColorHover: #fff; --shapeColor: rgb(175, 163, 150); --shapeColorHover: rgb(218, 218, 218); --linkColorHover: rgb(157,146,134);\"><div id=\"el-1c9ee5ba\" class=\"vce vce-features-icon-wrapper\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-1c9ee5ba\"><a class=\"vce-features--icon vce-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/treatment-step1\/\" title=\"\u7b2c\u4e00\u7d1a: \u5916\u7528\u6297\u708e\u6cbb\u7642\" target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 769 769\"><path stroke-width=\"25\" d=\"M565.755 696.27h-360l-180-311.77 180-311.77h360l180 311.77z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"vce-icon-container vcv-ui-icon-dripicons vcv-ui-icon-dripicons-brush\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading vce-google-fonts-heading--align-center vce-google-fonts-heading--color-b-62-61-61--45--5C00FF--FF7200 vce-google-fonts-heading--font-family-Sanchez\"><div id=\"el-d7e04e76\" class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-wrapper\"><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading--background vce\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border background  padding margin el-d7e04e76\"><h2 class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-inner\" style=\"font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 2px; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;\">Step 1: Topical anti-inflammatory treatment<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-20p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first\" id=\"el-e779b0da\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-e779b0da\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-e779b0da\"><div class=\"vce-features vce-var-icon vce-features--style-filled-circle vce-features--size-small\" style=\"--iconAlignment: center; --iconColor: rgb(255, 255, 255); --iconColorHover: #fff; --shapeColor: rgb(175, 163, 150); --shapeColorHover: rgb(218, 218, 218); --linkColorHover: rgb(157,146,134);\"><div id=\"el-0658ba11\" class=\"vce vce-features-icon-wrapper\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-0658ba11\"><a class=\"vce-features--icon vce-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/treatment-step2\/\" title=\"\u7b2c\u4e8c\u7d1a: \u4e3b\u52d5\u7dad\u6301\u6cbb\u7642\" target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 769 769\"><path stroke-width=\"25\" d=\"M565.755 696.27h-360l-180-311.77 180-311.77h360l180 311.77z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"vce-icon-container vcv-ui-icon-batch vcv-ui-icon-batch-plus\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading vce-google-fonts-heading--align-center vce-google-fonts-heading--color-b-62-61-61--45--5C00FF--FF7200 vce-google-fonts-heading--font-family-Sanchez\"><div id=\"el-5edff37a\" class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-wrapper\"><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading--background vce\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border background  padding margin el-5edff37a\"><h2 class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-inner\" style=\"font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 2px; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;\">Step 2: Proactive maintenance (most often skipped)<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-20p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first\" id=\"el-80995c5e\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-80995c5e\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-80995c5e\"><div class=\"vce-features vce-var-icon vce-features--style-filled-circle vce-features--size-small\" style=\"--iconAlignment: center; --iconColor: rgb(255, 255, 255); --iconColorHover: #fff; --shapeColor: rgb(175, 163, 150); --shapeColorHover: rgb(237, 237, 237); --linkColorHover: rgb(157,146,134);\"><div id=\"el-53cc1a79\" class=\"vce vce-features-icon-wrapper\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-53cc1a79\"><a class=\"vce-features--icon vce-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/treatment-step3\/\" title=\"\u7b2c\u4e09\u7d1a: NB-UVB \u5149\u7642\" target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 769 769\"><path stroke-width=\"25\" d=\"M565.755 696.27h-360l-180-311.77 180-311.77h360l180 311.77z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"vce-icon-container vcv-ui-icon-dripicons vcv-ui-icon-dripicons-vibrate\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading vce-google-fonts-heading--align-center vce-google-fonts-heading--color-b-62-61-61--45--5C00FF--FF7200 vce-google-fonts-heading--font-family-Sanchez\"><div id=\"el-2653cf53\" class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-wrapper\"><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading--background vce\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border background  padding margin el-2653cf53\"><h2 class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-inner\" style=\"font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 2px; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;\">Step 3: NB-UVB Phototherapy<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-20p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first\" id=\"el-e0c8aa7f\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-e0c8aa7f\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-e0c8aa7f\"><div class=\"vce-features vce-var-icon vce-features--style-filled-circle vce-features--size-small\" style=\"--iconAlignment: center; --iconColor: rgb(255, 255, 255); --iconColorHover: #fff; --shapeColor: rgb(175, 163, 150); --shapeColorHover: rgb(237, 237, 237); --linkColorHover: rgb(157,146,134);\"><div id=\"el-d50570a0\" class=\"vce vce-features-icon-wrapper\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-d50570a0\"><a class=\"vce-features--icon vce-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/treatment-step4\/\" title=\"\u7b2c\u56db\u7d1a: \u50b3\u7d71\u7cfb\u7d71\u6027\u6cbb\u7642\" target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 769 769\"><path stroke-width=\"25\" d=\"M565.755 696.27h-360l-180-311.77 180-311.77h360l180 311.77z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"vce-icon-container vcv-ui-icon-mfglabs vcv-ui-icon-mfglabs-link\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading vce-google-fonts-heading--align-center vce-google-fonts-heading--color-b-62-61-61--45--5C00FF--FF7200 vce-google-fonts-heading--font-family-Sanchez\"><div id=\"el-741b116a\" class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-wrapper\"><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading--background vce\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border background  padding margin el-741b116a\"><h2 class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-inner\" style=\"font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 2px; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;\">Step 4: Conventional systemic treatment<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-20p vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last\" id=\"el-2f2ddaba\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-2f2ddaba\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-2f2ddaba\"><div class=\"vce-features vce-var-icon vce-features--style-filled-circle vce-features--size-small\" style=\"--iconAlignment: center; --iconColor: rgb(255, 255, 255); --iconColorHover: #fff; --shapeColor: rgb(175, 163, 150); --shapeColorHover: rgb(237, 237, 237); --linkColorHover: rgb(157,146,134);\"><div id=\"el-9f37e60c\" class=\"vce vce-features-icon-wrapper\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-9f37e60c\"><a class=\"vce-features--icon vce-icon\" href=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/treatment-step5\/\" title=\"Step 5: Biologics and oral JAK inhibitors\" target=\"_blank\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 769 769\"><path stroke-width=\"25\" d=\"M565.755 696.27h-360l-180-311.77 180-311.77h360l180 311.77z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"vce-icon-container vcv-ui-icon-dripicons vcv-ui-icon-dripicons-pulse\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading vce-google-fonts-heading--align-center vce-google-fonts-heading--color-b-62-61-61--45--5C00FF--FF7200 vce-google-fonts-heading--font-family-Sanchez\"><div id=\"el-ac036c6e\" class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-wrapper\"><div class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading--background vce\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border background  padding margin el-ac036c6e\"><h2 class=\"vce-google-fonts-heading-inner\" style=\"font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: 2px; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;\">Step 5: Biologics and oral JAK inhibitors<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-container\" data-vce-boxed-width=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-row vce-row--col-gap-30 vce-row-equal-height vce-row-content--top\" id=\"el-47fef2d0\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-47fef2d0\"><div class=\"vce-content-background-container\"><\/div><div class=\"vce-row-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\"><div class=\"vce-col vce-col--md-auto vce-col--xs-1 vce-col--xs-last vce-col--xs-first vce-col--sm-last vce-col--sm-first vce-col--md-last vce-col--lg-last vce-col--xl-last vce-col--md-first vce-col--lg-first vce-col--xl-first\" id=\"el-a0f99db3\"><div class=\"vce-col-inner\" data-vce-do-apply=\"border margin background  el-a0f99db3\"><div class=\"vce-col-content\" data-vce-element-content=\"true\" data-vce-do-apply=\"padding el-a0f99db3\"><div class=\"vce-text-block\"><div class=\"vce-text-block-wrapper vce\" id=\"el-8c742120\" data-vce-do-apply=\"all el-8c742120\"><p><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Reference:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n \t<span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Davis DMR, Drucker AM, Alikhan A, et al. AAD guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Sidbury R, Alikhan A, Bercovitch L, et al. AAD guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Guidelines Development Panel of the Hong Kong College of Paediatricians. Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Children: 2020 Review. HK J Paediatr. 2021;26:42-57. \u2014 the key local reference; cite this prominently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Wollenberg A, Kinberger M, Arents B, et al. EuroGuiDerm guideline on atopic eczema. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. (most recent update).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management. CG57.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Leung R, Wong G, Lau J, et al. Prevalence of asthma and allergy in Hong Kong schoolchildren: an ISAAC study. Eur Respir J 1997.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Childhood Wheeze, Allergic Rhinitis, and Eczema in Hong Kong: ISAAC Study from 1995 to 2015. \u2014 source of the 21-year local trend data.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Severity scoring of atopic dermatitis: the SCORAD index. Consensus Report of the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatology 1993;186:23-31.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Efficacy and Safety of Lebrikizumab in Combination With Topical Corticosteroids in Adolescents and Adults With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial (ADhere). JAMA Dermatol.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">ARCADIA 1 and ARCADIA 2 \u2014 two identically designed pivotal phase III trials enrolling more than 1,700 patients, evaluating nemolizumab administered subcutaneously every four weeks versus placebo with background topical corticosteroids.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Sanofi. Press release: decision not to submit amlitelimab in atopic dermatitis for global regulatory reviews. Paris, 24 July 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Simpson EL, Bieber T, Guttman-Yassky E, et al. Two Phase 3 Trials of Dupilumab versus Placebo in Atopic Dermatitis (SOLO 1 and SOLO 2). N Engl J Med. 2016.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Chalmers JR, et al. BEEP trial: daily emollient during the first year of life for preventing atopic dermatitis. Lancet. 2020. \u2014 the negative prevention trial cited in the article.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #756464; font-size: 12pt;\">Hong Kong Drug Office, Department of Health \u2014 verify local registration status of every systemic agent named.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/span><\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When to arrange an assessment Consider assessment if\uff1a Eczema is not controlled despite regular emollients and over-the-counter treatment Itch is disturbing sleep \u2014 yours or your child&#8217;s Flares are recurring every few weeks You are using topical steroids frequently and want a plan that reduces them You are worried about steroid side effects and have&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/eczema.skinmedical.com.hk\/en\/consider-assessment\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">When to arrange an assessment?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-938","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Consider assessment? 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