Patient Education
- Discuss the chronic nature of atopic dermatitis, exacerbating factors & appropriate treatment options
- Emphasize that atopic dermatitis tends to improve over time
- Teach the patient/caregiver how to monitor disease progression & when to seek medical help
- Educate the patient about good skin care practices (eg bathing, hydration & use of moisturizers)
- Explain potential side effects of medications when used over extended periods of time
- Patient/caregiver should be instructed to apply topical steroids to skin lesions & emollients over unaffected areas
- Keep fingernails trimmed short
- Use of cotton gloves at night to limit scratching