Practice gap: Eczema appointments may only last 10-20 minutes.
Reality: “Proper eczema education takes much longer,” Dr. Sidbury said. Among patients and clinicians, there is still “rampant misinformation,” with persistence of fundamental knowledge gaps. “Studies repeatedly validate the role of education” in providing optimal care for eczema sufferers and their families, he emphasized (Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2015 Jan 23. doi: 10.1111/pai.12338).
How is a busy physician to integrate all of these recommendations into practice and make sure patients are getting proper education? “Don’t reinvent the wheel – Google it!” Dr. Sidbury said. Resources from the National Eczema Association, among others, can help guide care. Eczema action plans that can be downloaded provide a roadmap for shared decision making; food allergy clinical practice guidelines help patients avoid allergens, and patients can further their knowledge when directed to reputable websites like the National Eczema Association and resources like www.eczemacenter.org, at Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego.
Dr. Sidbury disclosed that he was a site principal investigator for an Anacor Pharmaceuticals–sponsored trial of a new topical anti-inflammatory agent for allergic dermatitis, and that he is on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Eczema Association.
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