Abstract
Background and Aim : We developed an inpatient skin care educational program for caregivers of children with AD refractory to outpatient treatments. We evaluated the usefulness of the skin care techniques taught in this program for caregivers and determined whether the improved skin condition of the children with AD could be maintained after discharge.
Method : The subjects were 49 caregivers of children with refractory AD. In our three-day/two-night skin care educational program, we trained the caregivers on the proper bathing and topical application techniques. We rated the eczema severity by calculating the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). At discharge, we conducted a questionnaire survey of the caregivers.
Results : The mean EASI scores were 28.2 on admission, 15.6 at discharge, and 8.9 at one month after discharge. At admission, roughly 80% of the caregivers faced difficulty in the precise use of topical application techniques, such as proper application of the topical corticosteroid to the affected eczematous skin and use of appropriate amounts of the topical agents. However, at discharge, they were able to successfully apply these techniques. In the questionnaire survey performed at discharge, 85% of the caregivers admitted to having had a poor understanding about the appropriate amounts of the topical agents.
Conclusion : For children with refractory AD, the caregivers could learn and master the skills of skin care through our inpatient program. The improved condition of the skin of the children was still maintained at the evaluation conducted a month after completion of the program.
