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Paediatric atopic dermatitis in Perth general practice
Author(s) -
Thom Graham A,
Halbert Anne R
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2002.00633.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atopic dermatitis , general practice , bathing , pediatrics , dermatology , family medicine , pathology
SUMMARY Ninety‐seven Perth general practitioners completed a self‐administered postal questionnaire that aimed to examine their caseload and management practices for childhood atopic dermatitis (AD). General practitioners saw a median of two new cases and three follow‐up consultations per month for childhood AD, and referred a median of 10% of cases to a specialist, usually a dermatologist. Most (77%) recommended emollients for all patients, but only 21% specifically reported advising their use immediately after bathing. Sixty‐one percent would use topical corticosteroids in all or most patients, but cream preparations were more commonly used (58%) than ointments (40%). Atrophy was rated as a common or very common side‐effect of topical corticosteroid therapy by 23% of general practitioners. Twenty‐six percent reported using oral corticosteroids in children with AD. Dietary changes would be recommended in at least a few AD patients by 79% of general practitioners, and 31% would recommend a change from cow's milk to soy in the absence of a history of dietary triggers. We conclude that general practitioners appeared generally well informed about AD management. However, dermatologists, through targeted education, may be in a position to help general practitioners further improve outcomes for these patients.