Eczema Top 10

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