Special, Sensitive, and Difficult-to-Treat Areas
Clarifying the Terminology in Atopic Dermatitis.
Melgosa Ramos FJ, Sanz Motilva V, Sabater Abad J, Vila Cobreros L, Santos Alarcón S, Mataix Díaz FJ, Silvestre Salvador JF
International Journal of DermatologyIn the feed 8 Aug 2026, published online 8 Aug 2026, issue 2026 Aug 08, added to PubMed 8 Aug 2026
Topics: Atopic dermatitis & eczema
Abstract
"Special," "sensitive," and "difficult-to-treat" areas are frequently used interchangeably in atopic dermatitis despite describing distinct clinical constructs. Sensitive sites reflect disproportionate psychosocial and functional vulnerability, whereas difficult-to-treat areas denote therapeutic refractoriness. This distinction is clinically relevant because involvement of these locations may support consideration of systemic therapy independently of the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score or body surface area. Precise terminology should guide, rather than obscure, therapeutic decision-making.
Abstract from PubMed
PMID 42568327 · DOI 10.1111/ijd.70628