Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder in childhood and often represents the first manifestation of the “atopic march,” preceding the development of other allergic diseases such as food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. With allergic diseases collectively affecting approximately 20 % of the global population, the need for a coordinated and evidence-based approach to pediatric management is increasingly important. AD imposes a significant burden on affected children and their families, contributing to impaired quality of life through persistent pruritus, sleep disturbances, psychological stress, and socioeconomic costs.This overview, developed by the Working Group on Pediatric Allergy and Immunology of the European Pediatric Association–Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), in collaboration with the International Pediatric Association, summarizes key discussions and conclusions from the international “EPA-UNEPSA for U Conference” on the management of AD, held in Portorož, Slovenia, in February–March 2025. The article focuses on the management of AD in pediatric primary care and integrates current evidence from peer-reviewed literature and widely accepted clinical guidelines.The report reviews essential aspects of diagnosis, disease assessment, and stepwise management strategies in children from birth to 18 years of age, including skin barrier care, pharmacologic treatments, and complementary therapeutic approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of primary care pediatricians in early recognition, patient and caregiver education, prevention of disease exacerbations, and coordination of multidisciplinary care. The overview highlights the importance of an integrative approach that bridges dermatology, allergology, nutrition, and psychosocial support in order to optimize long-term outcomes for children with AD.By summarizing current knowledge and expert consensus, this article aims to provide practical, clinically oriented recommendations to support primary care pediatricians in the comprehensive management of pediatric AD
Management of atopic dermatitis in children in primary care: An overview from the European Pediatric Association–Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA) working group on pediatric allergy and immunology / Marseglia, G.L., Muraro, A., Szabò, L., Licari, A., Niseteo, T., Konstantinidis, G., Bali, D., Carrasco-Sanz, A., Pastore, M., Vural, M., Scaltrito, F., Pop, T.L., Magendie, C., Giovannini, M., Sevketoglu, E., Mori, F., Perrone, S., Dalal, I., Somekh, E., Buonocore, G., et al.. - In: GLOBAL PEDIATRICS. - ISSN 2667-0097. - 16:(2026). [10.1016/j.gpeds.2026.100342]
Management of atopic dermatitis in children in primary care: An overview from the European Pediatric Association–Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA) working group on pediatric allergy and immunology
Perrone S.;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder in childhood and often represents the first manifestation of the “atopic march,” preceding the development of other allergic diseases such as food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. With allergic diseases collectively affecting approximately 20 % of the global population, the need for a coordinated and evidence-based approach to pediatric management is increasingly important. AD imposes a significant burden on affected children and their families, contributing to impaired quality of life through persistent pruritus, sleep disturbances, psychological stress, and socioeconomic costs.This overview, developed by the Working Group on Pediatric Allergy and Immunology of the European Pediatric Association–Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), in collaboration with the International Pediatric Association, summarizes key discussions and conclusions from the international “EPA-UNEPSA for U Conference” on the management of AD, held in Portorož, Slovenia, in February–March 2025. The article focuses on the management of AD in pediatric primary care and integrates current evidence from peer-reviewed literature and widely accepted clinical guidelines.The report reviews essential aspects of diagnosis, disease assessment, and stepwise management strategies in children from birth to 18 years of age, including skin barrier care, pharmacologic treatments, and complementary therapeutic approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of primary care pediatricians in early recognition, patient and caregiver education, prevention of disease exacerbations, and coordination of multidisciplinary care. The overview highlights the importance of an integrative approach that bridges dermatology, allergology, nutrition, and psychosocial support in order to optimize long-term outcomes for children with AD.By summarizing current knowledge and expert consensus, this article aims to provide practical, clinically oriented recommendations to support primary care pediatricians in the comprehensive management of pediatric ADI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
