A Survey of Japanese Children with Atopic Dermatitis in Bangkok, Thailand

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the understanding of atopic dermatitis (AD) among Japanese families living in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive study collecting data through an online survey. The survey was sent to parents of children aged 0-15 years with atopic dermatitis in Bangkok, Thailand from 2018 – 2021. RESULTS: Of the 65 responses, 33 children had 1 allergic condition and 32 had 2-4 conditions. Conditions included atopic dermatitis (n = 48), food allergy (n = 28), allergic rhinitis (n = 19), and asthma (n = 6). Furthermore, 49.2% felt they lacked sufficient knowledge to care for their children. Many respondents had limited knowledge of oral food challenge tests (61.6%) and oral immunotherapy treatment (58.4%). 26.2% were aware of the fingertip unit, 41.7% were unaware of the impact of water temperature on atopic dermatitis flare-ups, and 71.2% were unaware of the proactive drug use to prevent disease flare-ups. Notably, all respondents used bath water at a higher temperature than recommended. 41.0% encountered difficulties finding allergists despite having no trouble scheduling hospital visits for other concerns. CONCLUSION: Many families would benefit from receiving accurate and useful information about usual care and a list of nearby allergists in taking care of their children’s AD.