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Topical treatment is the mainstay for mild or moderate psoriasis, but patients are generally little satisfied. Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) cutaneous foam has shown to improve signs and symptoms in plaque psoriasis patients. This study assessed patient's satisfaction with Cal/BD foam in a real-life Italian dermatological clinical practice. A multicenter, 4-week observational prospective cohort study enrolled, in 17 Italian dermatology clinics, adult patients with plaque psoriasis on the body and/or scalp. Treatment satisfaction was assessed by 9-item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9), preference over previous treatments by Patient Preference Questionnaire (PPQ), and change in disease state by Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Overall 256 patients were eligible, with a mean (SD) age of 55.6 (15.4) years, 59.4% were males. Psoriasis severity was mild in 52.0% of patients, moderate in 43.3%, and severe in 4.7%. Scalp involvement was present in 36.7% of patients. Previous antipsoriatic treatments had been received by 80.5% of patients. TSQM-9 median (25th-75th percentile) scores were 83.3 (66.7-88.9) for effectiveness, 77.8 (66.7-88.9) for convenience, and 78.6 (64.3-92.9) for global satisfaction. Mean (SD) PASI value decreased from 7.3 (4.8) to 2.1 (2.7) after 4 weeks. More than 90% of patients previously treated for psoriasis evaluated the Cal/BD foam more effective, easier to use and better tolerated compared to previous topical treatments at PPQ. This observational study provides real-life evidence of a high level of satisfaction with effectiveness and convenience of the Cal/BD foam in a cohort of plaque psoriasis patients, with an objective improvement in PASI.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease in both adults and children. Whilst topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream, have proven efficacy for the treatment of AD, it is important to involve experts to obtain their opinion on its optimal treatment. Objective Methods Using a modified Delphi approach, this project aimed to generate consensus amongst experts on the use of TCIs in the treatment of AD, with a focus on the differentiation between tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. Six expert dermatologists from different European countries participated in this project based on their experience with AD and its treatment, which was evaluated by literature analysis and expert opinion. Consensus amongst the experts was generated using a modified Delphi approach, consisting of three distinct phases, during which a web meeting (June 2017), two online rounds of blinded Delphi voting (July-September 2017) and a face-to-face meeting (November 2017) were conducted. The consensus statements concerned two main topics: (i) Background of AD; and (ii) TCIs in AD. Hot topics in the treatment of AD not supported by meta-analysis, clinical trials or large observational studies were also discussed based on clinical experience. Results Conclusion In total, 25 consensus statements were defined and validated: eight statements on the general background of AD and 17 statements on the use of TCIs in AD, including their mechanism of action and therapeutic indications in AD, efficacy in adult and paediatric AD patients, pharmacokinetics, incidence of adverse events and safety concerns. Hot topics on the use of TCIs for the treatment of AD included cream vs. ointment, dosages, TCIs contact allergy, burning sensation management, superinfection and vaccination concerns. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are a suitable therapy for AD, and selection of the specific TCI should be based on factors which differentiate tacrolimus from pimecrolimus.

Background Urticaria is a disorder affecting skin and mucosal tissues characterized by the occurrence of wheals, angioedema or both, the latter defining the urticaria-angioedema syndrome. It is estimated that 12–22% of the general population has suffered at least one subtype of urticaria during life, but only a small percentage (estimated at 7.6–16%) has acute urticaria, because it is usually self-limited and resolves spontaneously without requiring medical attention. This makes likely that its incidence is underestimated. The epidemiological data currently available on chronic urticaria in many cases are deeply discordant and not univocal, but a recent Italian study, based on the consultation of a national registry, reports a prevalence of chronic spontaneous urticaria of 0.02% to 0.4% and an incidence of 0.1–1.5 cases/1000 inhabitants/year. Methods We reviewed the recent international guidelines about urticaria and we described a methodologic approach based on classification, pathophysiology, impact on quality of life, diagnosis and prognosis, differential diagnosis and management of all the types of urticaria. Conclusions The aim of the present document from the Italian Society of Allergology, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (SIAAIC) and the Italian Society of Allergological, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology (SIDAPA) is to provide updated information to all physicians involved in diagnosis and management of urticaria and angioedema.