ABSTRACT

Education of patients and their caregivers is a crucial component in caring for patients with atopic dermatitis AD. Learning about the chronic or relapsing nature of AD, exacerbating factors, and therapeutic options is important for both patients and caregivers. Just as asthma action plans are integral to the management of asthmatic patients, so too, clinicians treating patients with AD need to provide both verbal and written information that includes general disease information along with detailed skin care recommendations (Figure 13.1). Patients or caregivers may forget or confuse skin care recommendations given them without a written step-care plan. This should be reviewed and modified at follow-up visits. There are many ways to customize care plans so that they meet the individual patient and family needs. Factors including severity of disease, age, patient history, and current environment all need to be considered. Development of a skin care programme that is agreed upon by the clinician, patient, and caregivers requires open communication. In-depth discussions can rarely be accomplished in an abbreviated clinic visit and adequate time needs to be set aside for proper education or they need to be coordinated with special classes. Presentations at international meetings have touted the benefits of attending eczema schools. At the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado, a weekly in-depth class on all aspects of AD is taught by the nursing staff to supplement teaching that occurs in the clinic, day hospital, or inpatient settings.