Atopic Eczema Prevention Programs – a New Therapeutic Concept for Secondary Prevention

Abstract

Patient education for atopic eczema patients are programs for prevention or relapse prevention. A combination of dermatological education and psychological behavior training has proved effective. Recent studies with long follow-up periods and randomized controlled study designs show the positive aspects of patient education programs. The main aim is not the reduction of symptoms, but the improvement of coping behavior, of subjective impairment, and of life quality are central aspects of the patient program. In the meantime, the atopic eczema prevention program has been standardized, and a certification of the instructors has been established. Different studies and the contents of the patient prevention programs are presented.

Predicting Long-Term Outcome in Group Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

“…In addition to skin care and dermatological management as basic treatment measures, psychological approaches have been shown to be effective in several controlled studies [6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. The findings of these studies indicate that relaxation training, habit reversal training to prevent scratching, and stress management training are useful adjuncts to dermatological treatment.…”

Transdisciplinarity – an Essential Prerequisite for Psychodermatological Healing

“…We have in this issue two letters to the Editors: The observations of Zrnic et al about psoriatic onset and recurrences in the population during the war in Bosnia is confirming the connection between stressful life events and psoriasis. Similar findings were published concerning soldiers in that war [4]. The letter by Cohen focuses on the difficulties for babies born with blistered epidermolysis to constitute their 'Ego-Skin', a very important step in development.…”

“…Stress management training for young atopic dermatitis patients together with education in dermatological care as proposed by Hampel and her colleagues is a way to alleviate the psychic suffering of dermatological patients. It underlines the benefits of atopic dermatitis management programs, like the standardized programs in Germany [4]. As the authors developed a similar program for young psoriatic patients [5], it stands to hope that other studies will bring forth programs for different psychocutaneous conditions and in more countries.…”

Stress Management Training for Children and Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis during Inpatient Rehabilitation

“…The etiology of AD is still widely unknown [34]. It is assumed that multiple factors influence both onset and maintenance of AD [11]. Genetic factors play an essential role in the development of AD, but they cannot fully explain their onset [27].…”

“…Additionally, relaxation techniques showed beneficial effects [7]. Further studies point to the importance of techniques for the modification of scratching behavior and itch perception (so-called 'habit reversal training'), disease management, and social skills [for a review, see 7,11]. The development of multimodal patient education programs for children and adolescents has been widely neglected.…”