Fluorescent cream used as an educational intervention to improve the effectiveness of self-application by patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess if a fluorescent cream, in a self-application educational session, could increase the effectiveness of cream application in practice and serve as a therapeutic intervention. Methods: 30 adults with atopic dermatitis were enrolled. They applied a fluorescent test cream on two occasions. Effectiveness of application was checked under ultraviolet illumination. At baseline, the patients greased their skin as they normally do. After 2 weeks, the patients were instructed to grease the whole body area. The results were commented on and visualised to the patients on both occasions. Results: At the baseline visit, 29% of the target skin was untreated, and at the follow-up visit after education, this improved to 13.6% (mean values, p < 0.05). Women performed better than men at baseline; however, men performed similar to women at the follow-up visit. Conclusions: The Fluorescent-cream Educational Session (FES) is an educational instrument for therapeutic intervention based on interaction between patient and provider. It includes hard endpoints, that is, visualisation and measurement of treated area, time spend on treatment and amount of cream used.

Key words::

• compliance
• skin disease
• treatment

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.