Eczema
About this PSP
The Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology (CEBD) at the University of Nottingham worked in collaboration with the JLA on this exercise to identify uncertainties about treatments for eczema and to prioritise them for future research. This study was part of a wider research programme called ‘Setting Priorities and Reducing Uncertainties for People with Skin Disease’ (SPRUSD), which was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Partners included the National Eczema Society, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and the University of Nottingham. Patient support groups were also involved, such as Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema, as well as clinical and professional groups, such as the Society for Academic Primary Care Dermatology Group.
The Eczema PSP Top 10 was published in January 2012.
An update following the impact of this PSP can be found in the making a difference section of our website.
See news about this PSP: April 2024
Key documents
Top 10 priorities
Shared priorities (important to patients and health professionals)
- What is the best and safest way of using topical steroids for eczema: frequency of application, potency, length of time, alternating with other topical treatments, and age limits for treatment?
- What is the long term safety of applying steroids to the skin for eczema?
- What role might food allergy tests play in treating eczema?
- Which emollient is the most effective and safe in treating eczema?
Patient and carer priorities
- What is the best psychological treatment for itching/scratching in eczema?
- Which is the best way for people with eczema to wash: frequency of washing, water temperature, bath versus shower?
- What are the best and safest natural products to apply to the skin for eczema?
- How much does avoidance of irritants and allergens help people with eczema?
- What is the role of diet in treating eczema: exclusion diets and nutritional supplements?
Health Professional Priorities
- Which is more effective in the management of eczema: education programmes, GP care, nurse-led care, dermatologist-led care or multi disciplinary care?
- Which is safer and more effective for treating eczema; steroids or calcineurin inhibitors?
- How effective are interventions to reduce skin infections in the management of eczema?
- Which should be applied first when treating eczema, emollients or topical steroids?
- What is the best and safest way of using drugs that suppress the immune system when treating eczema?
Document downloads
To see more uncertainties identified for Eczema see the document below