Introduction to the Pierre Fabre supplement

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common reasons for consulting a dermatologist (or, indeed, a general practitioner or paediatrician). It is physically and emotionally distressing for the patient and, as many of our patients are children, for their parents also. For many decades, therapy for AD was limited largely to flare prevention through the avoidance of trigger factors and use of emollients, or to flare treatment using emollients and topical corticosteroids of varying strengths. More recently the new class of topical calcineurin inhibitors has been introduced for AD treatment. This has gone hand in hand with a deeper understanding of the causes of AD, including both genetic traits and biochemical pathways. Nowadays, we are better placed to help our patients and their carers understand their condition and we can provide better advice on avoiding triggers in addition to the use of new therapies to alleviate symptoms. This increased understanding has led to the development of proactive therapy, which is defined as the long‐term, low‐dose, intermittent use of topical anti‐inflammatory drugs in the frequently relapsing ‘problem zones’ of the patient with AD. Ample evidence has shown a reduced incidence and duration of flares with proactive therapy, and this can have a real effect on patients' quality of life.