The Importance of Achieving High Treatment Targets in Atopic Dermatitis: A Narrative Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with a significant physical, psychological, social and economic burden and a decreased quality of life. There is a relationship between disease burden and the level of disease severity and control. The burden of AD largely depends on skin lesions, itch and sleep disturbances, although other aspects also play a role. Even though treat-to-target approaches have been proposed for AD in recent years, studies showed that many patients with AD continue to perceive disease burden despite the achievement of the established treatment targets. This prompted the conception of the Aiming High in Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis (AHEAD) recommendations, which included novel optimal targets for both clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, the achievement of which is defined as minimal disease activity or MDA. This narrative review appraises studies that show that the achievement of elevated treatment targets results in multiple benefits. Aiming high helps to achieve more in patients with AD.