The real impact of atopic eczema

Atopic (or allergic) eczema is an extremely common condition that affects:

15-20% of children and 2-10% of adults1

As a result eczema places a considerable burden on healthcare resources, and it is likely that you will see a significant number of cases in your daily practice, whether you work in primary, secondary or intermediary care setting.

Living with eczema can have a real impact on the quality of life and emotional wellbeing of your patients. It can affect their ability and confidence to lead a normal life, causing people to struggle at school or work, find it difficult to form friendships and relationships which may lead to feelings of isolation and even depression.2

Guidance from NICE and the PCDS/BAD has placed increasing focus on patient-centred care, a stepwise approach to management and education to encourage self-management of eczema flares.1,3. These measures are aimed at improving patient care, and may help reduce repeat consultations and the need for referral to secondary care.

References:
  1. 1.Primary Care Dermatology Society & British Association of Dermatologists (2009) Guidelines for the management of atopic eczema. (PCDSBAD-Eczema.pdf Accessed December 2011)
  2. 2.Simon J. International Study Of Life with ATopic Eczema (ISOLATE). Presented at the congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Florence, Italy, 18 November 2004. Reported at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/16646.php
  3. 3.NICE (2007) Atopic eczema in children. Management of atopic eczema in children from birth up to the age of 12 years. Clinical Guideline 57, London, December 2007

Code: 12/13 DERM-1018018-0001
Date of preparation: December 2011