Epidemilogic data about PLE in Italy

Background Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common idiopatic photodermatoses. It describes a broad clinical spectrum with chronic recurrences. It is often characterized by non scarring pruritic erythematous papules, vesicles or plaques. UV exposure is the main etiologic factor. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate i) the incidence of PLE in Italy, ii) the mani clinical features and iii) the clinical course and recurrences. Methods The study was carried out in 8 dermatological services in italy (University of Genoa, Spedali Civili Brescia, S. Gallicano Institute Rome, University of Perugia, University of Siena, University “Federico II” napoli, University of Milano, University of Verona). Subjects were required to fill a simple questionnaire (41 questions) exploring the following topics: phototype and phenotype, modalities of solar exposure, clinical features of PLE, number of recurrences, familiar, pathological and pharmacological anamnesis. The study was carried in healthy volunteers, not affected by a known photodermatological disease. Results and conclusion 12378 subjects entered the study. The mean PLE incidence obtained was 5,3% without differences among the different latitude of our Country. The plaque type of PLE was the most common clinical type (36,4%), the body site most frequently affected was the trunk (61,1%). Other data obtained, statistically analyzed, will be discussed

Epidemiologic data about polymorphous light eruption in Italy

Aim. Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common idiopathic photodermatosis. It describes a broad clinical spectrum with chronic recurrences. It is often characterized by non scarring pruritic erythematous papules, vesicles or plaques. UV exposure is the main pathogenetic factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PLE in Italy, the main clinical features and the clinical course and recurrences in a Mediterranean population. Methods. The study was carried out on 4 416 subjects in 8 Dermatological Units in Italy, distributed over the whole country. Subjects were required to fill a simple questionnaire (43 questions) exploring the following topics: phototype and phenotype, and modalities of solar exposure. In the subjects with a previous PLE another questionnaire was submitted to investigate the clinical features of PLE, number of recurrences, familiar, pathological and pharmacological anamnesis. The study was carried out in healthy volunteers, not affected by any dermatological disease. Results. Among the 4 416 apparently healthy subjects who filled out the survey, 212 gave a history consistent with a diagnosis of PLE. The PLE prevalence was 5.89% without significant differences among the Dermatological Units distributed at different latitudes in our Country. The coalescent papules type of PLE was the most common clinical picture (36.4%); the body site most frequently affected was the trunk (61.1%). On the contrary, chronically sun exposed body site (i.e. the face) is affected just in few cases. Also people chronically sun exposed developed PLE less frequently than occasionally sun exposed people. Sometimes, PLE developed after a particularly intense sun exposure (37.7% of PLE). Conclusion. No correlations with drug assumption or environmental chemical compound have been underlined

Distribution of congenital melanocytic naevi and congenital naevus-like naevi in a survey of 3406 Italian schoolchildren

Background: Scanty information is available on the prevalence of congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) and congenital naevus-like naevi (CNLN), particularly the small ones. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of CMN/CNLN in Italian schoolchildren, and to assess variations according to potential risk factors for melanoma. Methods: We conducted a survey in 13 Italian areas on 3406 schoolchildren aged 12-17 years. Children were examined by dermatologists who assessed pigmentary traits and made a count of small (6-15 mm in diameter) and medium/large (> 15 mm) CMN/CNLN on 19 anatomical areas. Results: Overall, 592 children (17.4%) had one or more CMN/CNLN. Prevalence of small CMN/CNLN was 16.1%, and that of medium/large CMN/CNLN was 1.8%. There was no difference between age groups and sexes. CMN/CNLN were more frequent in children with a higher number of common melanocytic naevi (multivariate odds ratio, OR = 7.1 for the highest vs. the lowest quartile), consistent in small (OR = 7.2) and medium/large CMN/CNLN (OR = 6.0). Family history of malignant melanoma (OR = 1.4) and personal history of diabetes (OR = 4.4) appeared to be directly, and sun exposure inversely associated with CMN/CNLN. No relation was evident between CMN/CNLN and pigmentary traits, anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits, freckles, sunburns, sunscreen use or history of selected diseases. Conclusions: The association with family history of melanoma, the strong association with acquired melanocytic naevi, and the lack of association with pigmentary traits and sunburns suggest that CMN/CNLN may act as an independent risk marker for subjects at increased risk for cutaneous melanoma later in life. © 2008 The Authors

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Italian schoolchildren: Factors affecting its variation

The frequency of atopic dermatitis in Italian children and its relationship with selected variables were analysed in a large survey of skin health conducted in Italy. In 1997 we conducted a survey on schoolchildren aged 12-17 years from 13 areas of northern, central and southern Italy. For the present analyses, 3179 Caucasian children (1618 males, 1561 females) were considered. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was reported in 224 cases (7.0%). The frequency of reported atopic dermatitis was significantly higher in children with asthma (rate ratio (RR) 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1-6.5). The lifetime prevalence of a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was higher among schoolchildren reporting a diagnosis of psoriasis (RR 5.5, 95% CI 3.0-10.1) and vitiligo, (RR 16.1, 95% CI 6.5-39.5). This study gives estimates of the lifetime prevalence of atopic dermatitis in adolescents in Italy and emphasizes the direct association between the condition and other immune-related skin diseases. \ufffd\ufffd 2009 The Authors. Journal Compilation \ufffd\ufffd 2009 Acta Dermato-Venereologica

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Italian schoolchildren: factors affecting its variation

The frequency of atopic dermatitis in Italian children and its relationship with selected variables were analysed in a large survey of skin health conducted in Italy. In 1997 we conducted a survey on schoolchildren aged 12-17 years from 13 areas of northern, central and southern Italy. For the present analyses, 3179 Caucasian children (1618 males, 1561 females) were considered. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was reported in 224 cases (7.0%). The frequency of reported atopic dermatitis was significantly higher in children with asthma (rate ratio (RR) 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1-6.5). The lifetime prevalence of a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was higher among schoolchildren reporting a diagnosis of psoriasis (RR 5.5, 95% CI 3.0-10.1) and vitiligo (RR 16.1, 95% CI 6.5-39.5). This study gives estimates of the lifetime prevalence of atopic dermatitis in adolescents in Italy and emphasizes the direct association between the condition and other immune-related skin diseases

Italian guidelines for therapy of atopic dermatitis—Adapted from consensus‐based European guidelines for treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) therapeutic approach calls for a long-term treatment. Treatment options for AD have recently undergone a revolutionary change by the introduction of the first biologic drug. Availability in daily practice of the last version of international AD guidelines, taking peculiarities of the country into account, can contribute to good clinical practice in Italy. To adapt European Dermatology Forum (EDF) guidelines for AD to the Italian medical–legal context, the EDF guidelines were assessed independently by two independent Italian renowned experts in the field and further integrated with articles published and systematically reviewed before May 2019. The first draft was collegially corrected and updated by the members of the SIDEMAST, ADOI, and SIDAPA. Recommendation levels (A; B; C; D) were graded based on the evidence levels (1–4). The adapted guidelines presented here focus on topical and systemic therapies in AD patients, both children and adults. As opposed to previous Italian guidelines, they include indications about biologics. New relevant evidence available from very recent literature and peculiarities of the Italian medical and legal context have been integrated in the revision process. If compared to general guidelines for AD not adapted to a specific national and cultural context, a revision for specific Italian needs is now available: It comprises the option of implementing the new biologic treatments and is likely to provide an important contribution to the improvement of clinical practice in Italy. Cooperation between patients, dermatologists, allergologists, and pediatricians remains mandatory in AD management. The authors of the present revision recommend an update of the Italian guidelines to be performed at least every second year