By Rosie Vincent, Clinical Research fellow and Dermatology Resident, Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research, University of Bristol
Why is this question important?
Eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 20 adults. Severity can vary, with many experiencing ‘flares’ when the eczema is worse, and times when it is better.
Most eczema (over 90%) is managed by GPs in the UK. The main treatment options are topical, most commonly moisturisers, topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. Topical steroids have ‘flare control’ properties and can be very effective, although it is reported that over a third of patients now have a fear of using topical steroids, and around half feel they would affect their future health.1
Surprisingly, there is a lack of clear guidance on how topical steroids should be stopped or reduced once the eczema is better controlled. This can lead to different healthcare professionals giving different advice to people with eczema, which can result in confusion.
I am now 6 months into my PhD project, which is looking at this question, starting with a systematic review to see what evidence from previous studies is out there. For the next part of my PhD I plan to explore this area with both people living with eczema, and those treating it. Using data collected through questionnaires and interviews I aim to increase our understanding of what is currently being done and why.
Sisters’ Health Event
When designing this study my goal is for those with eczema, or impacted by eczema, to add their input and make sure it’s as relevant and important to them as possible. One of the places I have sought to capture their views is at the Sisters’ Health Event, held on the 8th February 2025 at Greenbank Masjid.
This was a fantastic opportunity, organised by Samina Baig at Caafi health, a community interest company working in and around Bristol to help communities access their right to good health. I was amazed and inspired at how engaged people were with the subject, and how much they had heard online about topical steroids, even if they didn’t have a skin condition! At this event there were a huge variety of health care professionals including students, dentists, doctors, nurses, charities, physiotherapists, and dieticians who were offering advice, health checks and support.
Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR)
Being based in the CAESAR team, I am lucky to work with such experienced and supportive colleagues. I have had opportunities to get involved with some of the other pieces of work in the group such as the priority setting partnership to develop the top research questions for food allergy and work regarding dietary data collection methodologies. Click here Centre for Applied Excellence in Skin and Allergy Research (CAESAR) to find more about the CAESAR team and their projects.
References
- Christensen, Maria O. et al. Prevalence and clinical impact of topical corticosteroid phobia among patients with chronic hand eczema—Findings from the Danish Skin Cohort. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 91, Issue 6, 1094 – 1103