“We must not underestimate” atopic dermatitis, “a dermatological disease that can cause intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions that can decrease the quality of life, alter sleep, undermine the self-esteem and serenity of those who suffer from it, even leading to a reduced academic and work performance “. Thus Piergiacomo Calzavara Pinton, Directorate of Dermatology Department Ast Spedali Civili and Dermatological Clinic of the University of Brescia, speaking today in Milan at the media tutorial “Atopic dermatitis: let’s clarify. The importance of getting back in the game”, organized by AbbVie, on the eve of the EADV congress (European academy of dermatology and venerology), scheduled in Milan from 7 to 11 September. Considering that the disease “is often associated with other atopic manifestations such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyposis and eosinophilic esophagitis, due to the variety of forms and personal response, it is therefore fundamental – he added – that each patient faces a treatment path with a specialist and collaborates to obtain long-lasting results “. Atopic dermatitis – it was recalled during the event that took stock of symptoms, disease management and research perspectives – is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a strong impact on people’s quality of life. Worldwide it affects 10% of adults and 25% of children. The triggering causes are not yet fully known, however genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved. Furthermore, family history appears to play a key role: at least 40% of patients have a family history of the disease. Living with atopic dermatitis while maintaining a good quality of life is possible. However, careful management of this complex, chronic autoimmune disease is needed, which must be tackled together with a specialist, able to identify the most suitable path for each patient. “Atopic dermatitis is not always the same in the various stages of life and can often be underestimated or not subjected to a correct diagnosis. For the management of the disease it is important to intervene not only at the appearance of acute manifestations, as often tends to do, but to keep the underlying inflammation under control by treating it systemically “, explains Gabriella Fabbrocini, director of the UOC of clinical dermatology at the Federico II University of Naples.” The innovative therapeutic solutions that have been made available in recent years, such as Biological drugs and Jak-inhibitors – he adds – offer opportunities to be evaluated with great attention because they allow immediate relief of symptoms by modifying the course of the disease in a lasting way “. “Atopic dermatitis – underlines the president of ANDeA, National Association of Atopic Dermatitis, Mario Picozza – is a chronic disease with a strong impact on the lives of patients, which can also affect young people, in the midst of school or work. optimal management of the disease and a good quality of life for patients – continues Picozza – it is important that the scientific community, doctors, companies and, above all, institutions pay more attention to this disease, as we have indicated in our manifesto, inserting it, for example, in the national chronicity plan and in the essential levels of assistance as a chronic and disabling disease. We also hope that the Italian regulatory authority will quickly implement the indications of the EMA (European Medicines Agency, Ed.) on access to therapies “. For a better management of the disease, AbbVie has launched, in collaboration with the patient association ANDeA, the information and awareness campaign “Atopic dermatitis: get back into the game”. The initiative includes a new section of the vicinidipelle.it website dedicated to the disease, containing useful information, as well as a series of tools that allow the patient to contact the dermatological center closest to their home and prepare for a specialist visit. On the site, the patient can carry out a self-assessment test to better understand the impact of atopic dermatitis on their daily life, identify their goals and outline their action plan. Finally, two short tutorials are made available that allow you to arrive prepared for your appointment with your doctor. To actively participate, you can also follow the campaign on the “Vicini di Pelle” social channels (Facebook and Instagram). “The positive feedback that the ‘Get back in the game’ campaign is recording confirms how important it is to offer new tools to patients for optimal management of the disease”, underlines Annalisa Iezzi, Medical Director of AbbVie Italy. “For years we have been involved in dermatology together with the scientific and patient communities in improving the quality of life of people suffering from chronic autoimmune diseases”.