RELIEF-AD: Real-world effectiveness of mometasone furoate in itch reduction in pediatric atopic dermatitis

Dear Editor, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven by dryness, barrier dysfunction, and persistent itch, causing sleep disturbance, psychosocial burden, and impaired quality of life for both children and caregivers.[1] Dry skin lowers the itch threshold through increased intraepidermal nerve fibers and sensory nerve sensitization mediated by keratinocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-33.This makes the skin highly responsive to mechanical and chemical itch triggers.Scratching further damages the skin barrier, allowing allergen penetration and promoting type 2 inflammation.T-helper 2(Th2) cytokines, including IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31, amplify sensory nerve sensitization, creating a self-perpetuating itch-scratch cycle that drives disease burden.Therefore, effective itch control is central to AD management.[2] Topical corticosteroids inhibit T-cell proliferation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production responsible for itch [3] and hence remain the first-line anti-inflammatory therapy.[4] Among available agents, mometasone furoate is a mid-potent topical corticosteroid with strong glucocorticoid-receptor affinity, once-daily dosing, and a favorable therapeutic index when used appropriately.[5] However, real-world evidence focused on patient-perceived itch reduction in Indian children treated with mometasone furoate is limited.We report findings from a large, multicenter, retrospective, real-world study conducted across India evaluating patientreported outcomes following short-term use of mometasone furoate 0.1% cream in pediatric patients with mild to moderate AD.Improvement in itch was assessed using patient-reported outcomes on a 10-point scale.Scores of 8-10 were categorized as clear/almost clear response, scores of 1-3 as inadequate response, and intermediate scores (4-7) represented partial to moderate symptom control.Time to symptom improvement and safety outcomes