Parents' and carers' views about emollients for childhood eczema: qualitative interview study

Abstract

ObjectiveLeave-on emollients form the mainstay of eczema treatment, but adherence is poor. We aimed to explore parents’/carers' views on effectiveness and acceptability of leave-on emollients for childhood eczema through secondary analysis of data from 2 qualitative data sets.SettingStudy 1 recruited through mail-out from 6 general practices in southern England. Study 2 recruited from a feasibility trial of an intervention to support eczema self-care in 31 practices in the same area.ParticipantsStudy 1 included 28 interviews with carers of children aged ≤5 years with eczema. Study 2 included 26 interviews with carers of children aged ≤5 years with eczema.MethodsInterviews followed semistructured guides: study 1 explored carers' understandings around eczema treatments in order to develop a web-based self-care support intervention; study 2 explored carers' understandings of eczema and eczema treatments after using the intervention. Interviews were carried out face to face or by telephone, audio-recorded and transcribed. Secondary analysis of data from both studies focused on views and experiences of emollient use. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach facilitated by NVivo V.10 software.ResultsIn study 1, most participants felt emollients improved eczema but held mixed views about long-term use to prevent flare-ups. In study 2, where carers had used the web-based intervention, all participants held positive views about long-term emollient use. In both studies, participants expressed a range of preferences about emollient ‘thickness’; some felt that ‘thick’ emollients (ointments) were most effective, while others found these difficult to use. Carers described a process of ‘trial and error’, trying emollients suggested by professionals, friends and family, or bought over-the-counter. Carers expressed a need for understanding differences between products and their effective use.ConclusionsProviding a rationale for long-term emollient use and choice of emollients could help improve adherence and help families gain more rapid control of eczema.

GP and parent dissonance about the assessment and treatment of childhood eczema in primary care: a qualitative study

“… 5 This was reflected in our interviews with parents where they persisted with topical therapy but often felt it was ineffective. Santer et al 29 found that parents had mixed views about long-term use of emollients to prevent flare-ups and this was echoed by the GPs in our study who said that parents were not using emollients for long enough to be effective and were expecting results with short-term use. Education about the rationale for emollients may lead to more positive parental attitudes towards long-term use.…”

The wounded self—lonely in a crowd: A qualitative study of the voices of children living with atopic dermatitis in Hong Kong

“…Nevertheless, children living with AD remain an underrepresented group attracting little social or academic attention. Previous qualitative studies have preferred to focus on the perceptions or experiences of issues related to AD management among the parents and caregivers of children living with AD (Halls et al, ; Santer et al, , ; Teasdale, Muller, & Santer, ). The current qualitative study contributes to amplifying the voices of children living with AD by providing a contextualised description of their subjective experiences.…”

Optimizing pharmaceutical care for pediatric patients with dermatitis: perspectives of parents and pharmacy staff

“…Previous research showed that parents have misconceptions about treatment of pediatric AD symptoms and encounter difficulties with the proper application of topical medication [ 13 – 15 ]. Inconsistent information between dermatologists, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists on the risks and benefits of TCS and proper use of emollients may cause confusion among patients and could negatively affect appropriate use of treatment [ 16 ].…”