Managing a case of childhood atopic eczema effectively

Most cases of atopic eczema (AE) are managed in the primary care setting, yet eczema in children may be sub-optimally managed despite appropriate therapeutic options being initiated.

There may be a reluctance to gain symptomatic control in children by using topical corticosteroids, and emollients are often under-prescribed. Parents may also be reluctant to use topical corticosteroids on their children.¹

AE can develop in infancy and have a remitting and relapsing course. It is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition,¹ and it is estimated that 15 to 20 per cent of school-age children in the UK are affected by AE.²

Genetic and environmental factors are likely to be contributory.³ It is thought that abnormalities in structural proteins such as filaggrin or abnormal lipid metabolism may compromise epithelial barrier function and cause the skin to become more sensitive to irritants and allergens.⁴