Topical Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Summary
Medication adherence is a poorly studied phenomenon that challenges both patients and physicians. 50% of individuals with chronic disease are not adherent to their medication regimen. Within the United States, non-adherence to medical treatment leads to approximately $100 billion in hospital admission costs. While the issue of adherence is not limited to any particular field of medicine, non-adherence occurs in approximately one-third to one-half of dermatological patients. Non-adherence is of importance as it is a significant cause of treatment failure, resulting in worse quality of life, worse health outcomes, and increased insurance costs.
Description
Unlike most modes of medication administration, topical medications do not have a standardized method of dosage administration\] Although qualitative administration measures exist, these measures are often arbitrary and not quantifiable (i.e., "a fingertip"). In such cases, inappropriate dosing (i.e., using too much or too little) is an essential cause of treatment failure, and measurements of adherence for topical medications should consider the amount of medication administered. In a study analyzing the response to treatment in psoriatic patients, patients who received a standardized dose of…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 9+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of skin dermatitis * Age \> 9 * Ability to return for a one-week clinical studies follow-up * Patients who are candidates for treatment with 0.1% triamcinolone ointment (even if they weren't in the study) * Adult or pediatric patients with active dermatitis who receive dermatologic care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Department of Dermatology. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients without the diagnosis of skin dermatitis * Inability to return for a one week follow up appointment * Body Surface Area (BSA) affected \<2%
Interventions
- OtherDemonstration of applying triamcinolone cream
Live demonstration of applying 1 fingertip unit of triamcinolone cream
- BehavioralMobile App Use
Additional mobile application that provides amount dispensed and adherence data.
- OtherStandard of Care
Written/verbal instructions only
Location
- Wake Forest University Health SciencesWinston-Salem, North Carolina