Website intended for a NZ health professional readership
How effective are adjunct educational and psychological interventions in people with atopic dermatitis?
Face-to-face education, when combined with conventional topical therapy for eczema, may reduce disease severity in the short and long term. Group education likely has short and long-term benefits, while technology-mediated education may improve long-term symptom control.
Educational interventions vary widely in delivery method, duration and healthcare professional involvement. Psychological interventions, such as habit reversal and stress management, show potential benefits but are resource intensive.
More research is needed to determine the most cost-effective and beneficial approaches, especially within resource-constrained health systems.
All favourable effects are of uncertain clinical significance. Both adults and children were represented in the trials. However, the participants were predominantly white. Eczema in darker skin may present with different clinical signs to eczema in white skin. As a result, it is unclear how the findings of this review inform educational or psychological interventions for those with darker skin tones.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by symptoms such as itching, dryness and redness. It is a prevalent disorder, affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults in high-income countries. The condition has a complex aetiology involving genetic, environmental and immunological factors. Eczema significantly impacts quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances, psychological stress and social stigma.
Management includes emollients, topical treatments, and in severe cases, immunosuppressive therapies. Despite available treatments, the disease remains challenging due to its chronic nature and the need for multidisciplinary care.
Singleton H, et al. Educational and psychological interventions for managing atopic dermatitis (eczema). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024;8:CD014932. This review contains 37 trials, which included 6170 people.
Prostate cancer consultations are common in primary care and there is no one approach to testing and treatment that fits all patients. Urologist Simon van Rij discusses the key considerations and options for personalised care, appropriate investigation and treatment
