RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In order to achieve a long-term stabilizing effect on the clinical condition of the skin of patients with atopic eczema, it is imperative to perform consistent topical skincare. Because of time pressures during normal office visits, it is impossible to thoroughly counsel patients who suffer from atopic eczema. We performed a randomized and prospective comparative study to evaluate the outpatient effectiveness of a short-time but impressive teaching and counselling method using the skin model developed by Kardorff and Schnelle-Parker. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty outpatients between 3 and 6 years old with moderate or severe atopic eczema were evaluated. Half of the patients were trained by an active, 10-min demonstration with the skin model on day 0 and day 14. Patients in the control group received verbal instructions of the same duration, as in routine dermatological practice. The SCORAD score was measured blindly on days 0, 14 and 42. RESULTS: After 42 days, the SCORAD score of the patients taught by the use of the Kardorff-Schnelle-Parker skin model was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: By counselling atopic children, even of preschool age, with the easily understandable skin model incorporating the sense of touch, better compliance concerning regular skincare can be achieved. We expect positive effects in the long-term management of atopic eczema.
