Effective Prevention and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Campania: Free Consultations and Open Day Event

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Atopic Dermatitis: Free Screenings Expand to Teenagers in Campania

March 21, 2025

A renewed focus on atopic dermatitis (eczema) in Campania, Italy, aims to provide accessible care, mirroring the need for enhanced awareness and treatment options in the U.S.

Open Day Initiative Addresses a Widespread Skin Condition

Naples, Italy—Building on its fifth year, the “On the Side of Your skin” campaign, spearheaded by Sidemast (Italian Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases), is bringing free atopic dermatitis consultations to Campania. As of March 21,2025,this initiative expands its reach,now including teenagers ages 12 and up. The campaign highlights a critical need for greater awareness and accessible care, a challenge also faced by millions of Americans.

The open day events offer a streamlined approach. individuals can pre-screen themselves via an online questionnaire at https://www.sidemast.org/dalla-parte-della-tua-2025. A scoring system assesses clinical manifestations, and those with indicators of atopic dermatitis receive a code for booking a consultation. This mirrors the increasing use of telehealth and online screening tools in the U.S. to improve access to dermatological care, especially in rural areas.

The initiative is supported by Andea (National Association of Atopic Dermatitis) and receives contributions from Healthy-Regeneron and Roche-Posay.

Scheduled Appointments:

• April 1, 2025: Naples, Luigi Vanvitelli University Hospital (Prof.Giuseppe Argenziano)
• April 9, 2025: Salerno, Auo S. Giovanni and Ruggi d’Aragona – Po Smi of the Olmo (Prof.sa)
• April 9, 2025: Naples, Federico II University Hospital (Prof. Massimiliano Scalvenzi)
• April 9, 2025: Avellino, Aorn S. Giuseppe Moscati – Po A. Landolfi of Solofra (Dr. Rosa Valentina Puca)

The Impact of Atopic Dermatitis: more Than Just Skin Deep

Atopic dermatitis is more than just a skin condition; it significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and their families. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that atopic dermatitis affects up to 25% of children and 2-3% of adults in the United States. The condition’s effects extend beyond the physical, encompassing psychological and social well-being.

Symptoms include dryness, redness, lesions, skin thickening, and, most notably, intense itching that can disrupt daily activities, sleep, and overall productivity. The condition commonly affects the face, neck, elbow folds, behind the knees, and hands, but can spread across the body.

Despite its prevalence, atopic dermatitis often goes undiagnosed or is underestimated. This highlights the need for increased awareness and accurate data, both in Italy and the United States. Many Americans, particularly those in underserved communities, lack access to dermatologists, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Aspect of Impact	Description	U.S.Context
Physical	Intense itching,skin lesions,sleep disruption	Missed school/work days,increased healthcare visits
Psychological	Anxiety,depression,low self-esteem	Increased risk of mental health issues,social isolation
Social	Difficulty participating in activities,social stigma	Avoidance of public spaces,strained relationships

Quotes from Sidemast Leadership

According to Giuseppe Argenziano,president of Sidemast,”This campaign has great strategic value as Sidemast has always committed to increasing not only the awareness of the audience on the disease but also to facilitate access to diagnosis and care paths of patients suffering of this disabled pathology. The fact that the participation has also been extended to teenagers in a of course, what ‘closes the circle’ of the offer to the population of the many new therapies available for this illness. By directing the public to the reference centers, in fact, we help to patients ad take a path that will improve their health and their quality of life.”

Marco Ardigò, member of the Sidemast Board of Directors, emphasizes that “The institution of population awareness campaigns represents a very important means for the sidematast for the spread of prevention and early diagnosis messages of the most common diseases, including undoubtedly atopic dermatitis. The extension of access to care and the spread of a positive message of a possible change in the health condition of affected patients atopic dermatitis remain central objectives of the campaigns promoted by our society.”

Maria Concetta Fargnoli, vice president of Sidemast, underlines the importance to “inform the population and direct patients to a correct therapeutic diagnostic path to allow a right choice therapeutic according to the severity of illness. In moderate-thanks forms, we have available today innovative therapeutic approaches, available in reference centers, which have significantly improved the quality of life of patients even in pediatric age. We must also sensitize patients with dermatitis atopic on the importance of dermo-coshestological treatment to assist drug therapy both topical that systemic and to reduce the risk of disease recurrence.”

Recent Developments and Practical Applications for U.S. Patients

While the Sidemast campaign focuses on Campania, Italy, its core objectives resonate strongly with the challenges and advancements in atopic dermatitis care within the United States. Recent developments in understanding the disease’s underlying mechanisms have led to innovative therapies, including biologics and targeted topical treatments.

Biologics: Drugs like dupilumab (Dupixent) have revolutionized the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. These injectable medications target specific immune pathways involved in the disease, providing meaningful relief from itching and inflammation.

Topical Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors: Creams and ointments containing JAK inhibitors,such as ruxolitinib (opzelura),offer another targeted approach. These medications block the activity of JAK enzymes involved in inflammation and itching, providing relief directly at the skin level.

The Role of Skin Barrier Repair: Emollients and moisturizers play a crucial role in managing atopic dermatitis. Products containing ceramides and other skin-identical lipids help restore the skin’s natural barrier function, reducing dryness and preventing flare-ups. Think of it like patching up cracks in a wall to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Trigger Identification and Avoidance: Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is essential in managing atopic dermatitis. Common triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), irritants (soaps, detergents, fragrances),

how can teh US healthcare system make the model of free online screenings and follow-up consultations for atopic dermatitis, as seen in the Campania, Italy initiative, cost-efficient and accessible?

Addressing Atopic Dermatitis: An Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance

Archyde News: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us today.Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, continues to be a meaningful health concern, and we’re seeing renewed initiatives, like the one in Campania, italy, focusing on accessible care. As a leading dermatologist, what’s your perspective on these developments?

Dr. Vance: Thank you for having me. It’s encouraging to see such proactive steps in regions like campania. initiatives that prioritize awareness and access, especially for teenagers, are critical. atopic dermatitis is frequently enough misunderstood and underdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering. The expansion of free screenings and consultations is a practical solution for early intervention.

Impact and Awareness

Archyde News: The article highlights the broader impact of atopic dermatitis—beyond just the skin. Could you elaborate on the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of this disease?

Dr. Vance: Absolutely. The relentless itching, skin lesions, and sleep disruption create a cascade of problems. physically, individuals frequently enough experience fatigue, infections due to scratching, and difficulty maintaining daily routines. The psychological toll is ample, with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Socially, it can lead to isolation and difficulty participating in activities that others take for granted. The impact on quality of life can be devastating.

Treatments and New Approaches

Archyde News: We’re also seeing advances in treatments in areas like biologics and topical medications. How have these new therapies changed the treatment landscape?

Dr. Vance: the advent of biologics, like dupilumab, and topical JAK inhibitors has been transformative, particularly for moderate-to-severe cases. These targeted therapies address the underlying immune pathways involved in atopic dermatitis, providing significant relief from itching and inflammation. Skin barrier repair, through the use of emollients and moisturizers, also remains a cornerstone of treatment.

Applying Lessons from Italy

Archyde news: Looking at the italian initiative and similar programs in the U.S., what can we learn from these approaches?

Dr. Vance: The emphasis on accessible care and early diagnosis is key. We can learn from streamlining processes, such as the online pre-screening questionnaires utilized in Campania. Telehealth and online resources are increasingly vital in reaching underserved populations. Moreover, promoting patient education on trigger identification and avoidance is crucial for effective management.

The Road Ahead

Archyde News: As atopic dermatitis awareness continues to grow,what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities moving forward?

Dr. Vance: A persistent challenge is ensuring equitable access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with limited resources. The opportunity lies in continuing to enhance public health education, improve diagnostic tools, and develop even more targeted and effective therapies. We must also address the psychological and social impacts of the disease, fostering support networks and reducing the stigma associated with atopic dermatitis.

Community Engagement

Archyde News: what message would you give to individuals in the U.S. who may be struggling with atopic dermatitis or caring for someone who is?

Dr. Vance: Don’t hesitate to seek help. Atopic dermatitis can be managed, and there are effective treatments available. Talk to your dermatologist, explore available resources, and remember you’re not alone. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Archyde News: dr.Vance, thank you for this insightful discussion. Do you think the expansion of free screenings with online resources a model that can work in the US?

dr. Vance: Certainly it will work in the US.The biggest challenge will be how to make it cost efficient to deliver those screening and then the consultation process for both patients and physicians.