In Spain, between 10 and 20% of the population lives with atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching, dryness and eczematous lesions. Atopic dermatitis accompanies patients throughout their lives and influences the development of daily activities such as rest.Consistency in treatment is key to controlling the onset of symptoms. According to a study by LETI pharma, adherence to treatment with emollients is higher in children, but decreases significantly in adolescents and adults. In the 12 to 17 age group, 19% of patients drop out of treatment, largely due to less parental supervision, while in adults the dropout rate reaches 15%. The same study shows that continued treatment with specific emollients allows a reduction of existing symptoms,such as itching or redness,improves quality of life and reduces the appearance of new symptoms by 92%.
Raise awareness and educate the patient
A better understanding of the nature of atopic dermatitis allows patients and healthcare professionals to identify triggers and apply treatments effectively, improving symptom control, avoiding relapses and preventing complications. Carmen de la Torre, head of the pediatric area of the Alminar Clinic in Córdoba, places the emphasis on awareness, sence “when diagnosing atopic dermatitis it is very important to realize that we are faced with a chronic disease that must be controlled very well , with continued treatment, so that in the future it dose not develop into food allergies, rhinitis or asthma.”
In addition to raising awareness of the disease and demystifying it, it is indeed critically important to help reduce the social and emotional impact it has, especially in children and adolescents. In this sense, Raúl de lucas, head of pediatric dermatology at La Paz Hospital, highlights the challenge that professionals have with treatment adherence in adolescents and supports the importance of dialog with them “so that the dermatologist is an ally” when the symptoms and outbreaks subside which have a strong impact on their self-esteem at a time when they are building their personality.”
Five utopias on atopic skin
Over 1,500 patients chose, through an online survey, the five most relevant utopias out of a total of 21 related to atopic dermatitis. Subsequently, dermatologists, pediatricians and pharmacists also had the opportunity to choose their own. The chosen ones were: “May my child be able to sleep all night without scratching”, “may stress not be reflected on my skin”, “do sports without worrying about my skin”, “live without itching” and “that my son can play.” with his friends normally.” The five finalist utopias are the protagonists of the awareness campaign promoted by LETI Pharma to highlight the importance of this pathology and the use of specific emollients to alleviate and control the symptoms. Laura Clavijo