STRIPE v1.0

CPMS code:  63781

Lead Network: South West Central RRDN

Study Summary

Atopic eczema (dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin disorder characterised by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itch (Langan et al., 2020; Van Zuuren et al., 2017). It is one of the most common inflammatory disorders, affecting 15 to 30% of children (Thandi et al., 2021). Dry skin, a key characteristic of eczema, is caused by a dysfunctional epidermal barrier (Williams et al., 1994).

There is currently no cure for eczema, so the treatment goal is control of the disease using the wide range of treatments available (Lax et al., 2022; NICE, 2007) to treat the skin-barrier defect and inflammation, thus obtaining prolonged patient remission. Topical therapies are key to achieving those goals (Sideris et al., 2022). First-line therapy is the daily application of emollients/moisturisers to restore epidermal barrier function, usually in combination with anti-inflammatory therapy (Van Zuuren et al., 2017). The most commonly used anti-inflammatory therapy is topical corticosteroids (TCS) (Lax et al., 2022) but Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCI) are also used. Although emollients and TCS are considered a first-line therapy approach (Van Zuuren et al., 2017), new anti-inflammatory agents are emerging which could be implemented in future treatment regimens.

There are few real world studies and evidence on eczema treatments have largely been derived from highly controlled clinical trials. Real world studies are needed to collect data on patient adherence and treatment persistence, variables that are less likely to be captured from clinical trial cohorts (Augustin et al., 2022; Kiiski et al., 2023).

The current study will explore, from the perspective of child patients, parents/carers and healthcare professionals, how topical treatments, especially emollients and TCS are used in everyday life to treat/manage children with eczema. We will further understand whether topical treatments are considered safe and effective to use and reasons for their use. 

The search files hosted on this website are based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria as described in the study protocol and have been built and tested with input from our GP Champion teams. Every effort is made to keep the search files  hosted here maintained and up-to-date. 

However, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to review the search and make any practice specific amendments as deemed necessary*. 

Please DO NOT mail out to patients until you have confirmation and sign off ('green light') from the study team.

*You should advise the study team of any amendments you make to the search.

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

While we endeavor to keep the information, tools and resources provided up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the tools provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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