Enabling patients to know when treatment is working
Emollient therapy has been shown to restore the skin barrier function, reducing the severity and frequency of flares6, and the need for topical steroids.7 Discussing and agreeing therapeutic goals, such as reducing the frequency or severity of flare-ups, can be tracked and assessed by encouraging people to keep a diary, to record:
- How often they apply their emollient
- How often they need to use a topical steroid
- The condition of their skin over time
By enabling them to see when they are achieving their treatment goal you can promote confidence, support adherence and encourage self-management.
EczemaZones is a website for people living with eczema, with different areas for children, adults and parents and carers. The site includes:
- Tools that enable people to record their emollient usage and how it affects their skin
- Health information about eczema, the various treatments and useful hints and tips about living with eczema
- Educational games and interactive storybooks for children
Patient empowerment » « Teaching patients to apply treatment
References:
- 6.Cork MJ. The importance of skin barrier function. J Dermatol Treat 1997; 8: 57-513
- 7.Mahrle G et al (1989) Optimised Intermittent Topical Treatment of Eczema with Fluprednidene. A Multicenter Double-blind Study. Zeitschrift für Hautkrankheiten, 64(9):766-774