Background:

Real-life impact of guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis has been poorly studied.

Objective:

To assess atopic dermatitis clinical control in residents of a tropical area managed according to international consensuses.

Methods:

Prospective study with a 24-month follow-up. Clinical response was assessed with SCORAD, DLQI and a subjective scale (SS) on severity perception by the patient.

Results:

Two-hundred and thirty-three patients were stratified according to SCORAD: 53 had mild severity (22%), 116 moderate (49%) and 64 severe (27%). Baseline SCORAD mean was 33 (15-41), for DLQI, it was 14 (11-20), and for the subjective scale, 85% (67-99). At 6 months, there was significant reduction (p < 0.5): SCORAD 29 (14-41), DLQI 12 (8-16) and subjective scale 62% (45-80). At 2 years, SCORAD was 21 (9-34), DLQI 7 (4-10) and subjective scale 41% (27-56); only 33% achieved complete control (SCORAD < 15%, DLQI < 5, subjective scale < 20%).

Conclusions:

Following international guidelines’ recommendations reduces eczema severity and improves quality of life, although only 33% achieved complete control after 2 years.

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