Summary
Around 1 in 5 children have eczema (also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis). They typically have inflamed and dry, itchy skin. During flare-ups (periods of worsening symptoms), their skin becomes vulnerable to cracks, bleeding and infection.
Eczema impacts quality of life; it can impair sleep, ability to concentrate at school, self-confidence and mood. The condition is usually long-term (chronic), although it improves, or even clears completely, in some children as they get older. Even so, it is one of the most common reasons for children and young people to seek medical care. Community pharmacists and GPs are the first port of call and, while there is no cure, treatments can soothe sore skin, reduce itching, improve the appearance of the eczema, and reduce infections.
Content
The first part of this National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Collection brings together major NIHR studies on the prevention and treatment of eczema. Research has explored the effectiveness and/or safety of emollients (moisturisers), anti-inflammatory steroid creams, immunosuppressants (medicines that dampen the body’s imbalanced immune response), and more. Many of the studies directly address treatment uncertainties identified by patients and healthcare professionals in an NIHR-funded James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership.
The second part of this Collection explores recent NIHR evidence on the support children and their families need to understand and self-manage their eczema effectively. And finally, the Collection signposts ongoing NIHR research which aims to improve the quality of life of children with eczema in future.
The information is intended for pharmacists, GPs and others who deliver and commission primary care services; it could be used to help patients and their families understand more about research into eczema care.
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