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Attitudes of A ustralian dermatologists to the use and safety of topical corticosteroids in paediatric atopic dermatitis
Author(s) -
Smith Saxon D,
Lee Andrew,
Blaszczynski Alex,
Fischer Gayle
Publication year - 2016
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 - 10.1111/ajd.12402
Subject(s) - medicine , atopic dermatitis , dermatology , dermatologic agents , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , antibiotics
Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis is a common paediatric dermatological condition. Topical corticosteroids ( TCS ) are central to treatment, but non‐adherence leads to poor outcomes and treatment failure. Parents commonly cite TCS phobia as an obstacle to treatment adherence. Dermatologists play a key role as clinician educators around the use, safety and efficacy of TCS . Objectives To assess dermatologists' attitudes towards and experiences of the use and safety of TCS in managing paediatric atopic dermatitis (p AD ). Methods All 455 practicing A ustralasian College of Dermatologists fellows in A ustralia were surveyed either when attending the M ay 2014 annual scientific meeting or via two subsequent emails. The survey assessed their attitudes towards the use and safety of TCS in treating p AD . Results Of 198 completed surveys, nearly all responders prescribed potent or super‐potent TCS to treat p AD . The most common TCS side‐effect cited by over two‐thirds of respondents was peri‐orificial dermatitis. Most stated that pharmacists were the most common source of misinformation leading to TCS phobia. Of the respondents, 75% strongly agreed that TCS do not cause skin atrophy when used appropriately and under clinical supervision. Furthermore, 77% agreed or strongly agreed that the words ‘use sparingly’ should be removed from pharmacist labels on TCS prescriptions. Conclusions Dermatologists manage p AD with potent or super‐potent TCS . Pharmacists are cited as the main contributor of misinformation leading to TCS phobia, supporting the removal of the words ‘use sparingly’ from prescription TCS . Most dermatologists believe TCS do not cause skin atrophy when used appropriately in p AD .