European Guidelines
Call open · Submission deadline: October 15, 2026
EDF European Guidelines
The European Dermatology Forum (EDF) supports the development and/or updating of European dermatology guidelines and invites clinicians and researchers across Europe to submit their guideline project proposal. The EDF European Guideline Commission prioritizes clinical practice guidelines that have high European relevance for the dermatology community. Therefore, in 2027, two guidelines will be the primary focus: vitiligo and alopecia areata. European clinical practice requires a single, evidence-graded reference to support consistent patient care across Europe.
Select your topic
Prioritized topics — or your own proposal
Select the guideline you wish to lead or propose an alternative guideline. Each guideline project must include the clinical need, proposed scope, and the expertise to be contributed by your working group.
A major update for the JAK-inhibitor era
Guideline update required · completion expected within 15 months
European guidance on vitiligo was last harmonised in 2013. Topical JAK inhibition (ruxolitinib cream, EMA-approved for non-segmental vitiligo in 2023), advances in phototherapy and a growing systemic pipeline, have moved well past that consensus. Clinicians need an updated, evidence-graded algorithm for assessment, treatment sequencing, and maintenance.
0.5–2%
Estimated prevalence worldwide
High
Psychosocial burden and quality-of-life impact
2013
Year of the last harmonised European consensus
Proposed scope
Classification (segmental vs non-segmental) and disease activity assessment
Validated outcomes — VASI, repigmentation thresholds, patient-reported measures
Topical therapy, including JAK and calcineurin inhibitors
Phototherapy (NB-UVB) and combination regimens
Systemic and emerging therapies
Maintenance, relapse prevention and special sites
Paediatric care, psychological support and shared decision-making
Last publications
Taïeb A, Alomar A, Böhm M, et al. Guidelines for the management of vitiligo: the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) consensus. Br J Dermatol. 2013;168:5–19.
Target users: Dermatologists, paediatric dermatologists, GPs with a dermatology interest, patient representatives.
Expertise sought: Pigmentary disorders, phototherapy, paediatric dermatology, methodology, patient advocacy.
Europe's first guideline standard for autoimmune hair loss
New guideline · completion expected within 24 months
Alopecia areata currently lacks a harmonised European guideline, despite substantial advances in the field. Baricitinib (2022) and ritlecitinib (2023) are now EMA-approved for the treatment of severe disease, including in adolescents. European dermatology requires a single, evidence-graded reference covering disease severity staging, treatment selection, monitoring, and the management of relapse.
~2%
Estimated lifetime risk in the population
2
Oral JAK inhibitors EMA-approved since 2022
Existing harmonised European guideline
Proposed scope
Severity assessment and staging (SALT and beyond)
Topical, intralesional and systemic corticosteroid use
Contact immunotherapy for extensive disease
Oral JAK inhibitors — selection, monitoring and stopping rules
Paediatric and adolescent treatment pathways
Relapse and long-term management
Eyebrow, eyelash and nail involvement; psychosocial impact
Last publications
Messenger AG, McKillop J, Farrant P, et al. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of alopecia areata 2012. Br J Dermatol. 2012;166:916–926.
Target users: Dermatologists, trichology specialists, paediatric dermatologists, patient representatives.
Expertise sought: Hair disorders, autoimmunity, paediatric dermatology, pharmacovigilance, methodology, patient advocacy.
Propose your own guideline
New guideline or update · timeline determined by project outline
Two specific guidelines are priorities for this cycle; however, the EDF welcomes project proposals in any area of dermatology and venereology where European practice would benefit from a single, evidence-graded reference. Applicants define the subject, clinical need, and scope. The EDF European Guideline Commission evaluates proposals based on clinical relevance, methodological rigor, opportunities for collaboration, and feasibility.
Outline
your subject, questions and scope
Area of interest
dermatology and venerology
based on clinical need and feasibility
Proposed scope
Define the population and the clinical questions (PICO / PIRT)
Set the outcomes that matter, with adverse events included
Outline the existing guidance in the field and clearly specify the added value your project provides
Choose the methodology — systematic review, Delphi or adaptation
Propose a multidisciplinary group across at least five countries
Include patient representation and a dissemination plan
Last publications
No preset reference for an open subject — cite the current evidence and any existing national or international publication in your proposal.
Target users: Defined by your outline proposal.
Expertise sought: Matched to your topic, with methodological and patient advocacy expertise required in every group.
The call in brief
At a glance
Who can apply
Eligibility
Open to members of EDF, EADV or affiliated national societies, European guideline groups, and individuals or institutions with relevant expertise. An EDF Membership is not required.
One proposal per call as Convenor. Convenors may not be voting members of the EDF Guideline Commission.
The topic must address a clear clinical need. Commercial sponsorship is not permitted.
Submission requirements
Submission requirements
One document in English. Methodology and the composition of the team are of primary importance. Projects may employ a systematic review, Delphi process, or guideline adaptation, depending on the project type.
Proposal, abstract, and lay summary — The proposed guideline and its objectives, presented in both full and plain language.
Clinical need — What is already known, what this project adds, and its impact on clinical practice.
Methodology — the proposed review approach, evidence grading, and consensus process.
Group and conflicts of interest — Composition of the working group and participating countries, with a declaration of interests from each member.
Timeline and budget — A timeline with milestones and a short, justified budget.
Dissemination plan — How the guideline will be published, translated, and communicated.
* Conflicts of interest: All members must declare interests from the past five years at the time of submission and keep them updated throughout the process. Declarations are published alongside the guideline. Members with conflicts of interest involving a pharmaceutical manufacturer are excluded from voting on recommendations concerning that company’s products.
EuroGuiDerm standards
Methodology
Guideline projects must follow the EDF (EuroGuiDerm) methodology standards for European dermatology guidelines. Outline proposals must demonstrate how these standards will be applied.
Structured questions
PICO for intervention questions and PIRT for diagnostic questions. Outcomes are ranked from 1-9 according to importance (GRADE).
Systematic review
Conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook, including search strategy, risk-of-bias assessment, and evidence tables. Involvement of a librarian or methodologist is strongly recommended.
Consensus and voting
Up to five overarching principles and 10-15 recommendations. Consensus is reported as percentage agreement: strong consensus (>95%), consensus (75-95%), with >50% required for inclusion of a recommendation.
Conflicts of interest
All members must declare interests from the past five years at the time of submission and keep them updated throughout the process. Declarations are published alongside the guideline. Members with conflicts of interest involving a pharmaceutical manufacturer are excluded from voting on recommendations concerning that company’s products.
Before submission, the guideline draft is reviewed by EDF members with expertise in the respective field.
Proposal assessment
Evaluation criteria
Clinical relevance
Addresses a genuine gap in European practice with clear potential benefit for patients.
Methodological rigour
Based on a credible review process, GRADE evidence assessment, and a robust consensus methodology.
Collaboration
Involves a multidisciplinary, multi-country group with active patient participation.
Feasibility
Supported by a realistic timeline, clearly defined roles, and a proportionate budget.
After submission
Proposal review
Three-stage process, concluding with a decision by the EDF Guideline Commission
Stage 1
Pre-eligibility
Rapid assessment of topic relevance and alignment with scope.
Stage 2
Eligibility
Review for administrative and methodological completeness.
Stage 3
Commission decision
Approval, request for revision, or rejection by the EDF Guideline Commission.
How to apply
How to apply
Assemble your group
Identify your Convenor, methodologist and patient representatives. EDF membership is not required.Draft your proposal
Address the six sections outlined above, with particular emphasis on methodology and team composition.Collect declarations
Ensure each proposed member submits a conflict of interest declaration.Submit the form
Complete the online application form before the deadline.
Ready to lead
Start your
guideline proposal
Complete the online application form — EDF membership not required. The form produces a structured record of your proposed outline.
Submission deadline: October 15, 2026, 23:59 CET
Contact us: guidelines@euroderm.org
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