Eczema is a common condition affecting 1 in 10 Australians. Often viewed as a minor condition or allergy that is easily diagnosed and easily treated – the reality for many people living with eczema is somewhat different and more complex, and many health professionals are unaware of the realities of life for those affected.
The reality of the patient experience
For patients, parents and carers, consistency and simplification of information to help them treat a flare and manage eczema over the longer term is key. Unfortunately, treatment inconsistency and complexity are commonplace.
For a start, they are presented with an overwhelming range of treatment options, including moisturisers, creams, lotions, ointments, corticosteroids, with different brand names, strengths, and potencies.
And if this wasn’t confusing enough, instructions from dermatologists, GPs, nurses, pharmacists and medicine information leaflets often contradict each other, leaving consumers even more confused.
For the same topical corticosteroid treatment, a consumer could be told to apply it liberally, apply it sparingly, by fingertip amounts or tubes. And/or to apply it once a day, twice a day, or after showers for one week, two weeks, until it starts to clear, and similar phrases add to the subjectivity and ambiguity of treatments.
Increasingly and in desperation, many turn to social media for advice which is awash with conspiracies about the safety of topical corticosteroids and exaggerating the risk of harm, such as skin atrophy and withdrawal symptoms. This in turn can lead to the use of alternative and questionable remedies which don’t live up to expectations and can cost patients a fortune.
It leaves many patients in a state of confusion, and distress. And for sleep-deprived parents seeing their children suffering, the distress is unspeakable.
Nurses are ideally placed to provide support
Nurses often serve as the first and most consistent point of contact for patients navigating the complexities of eczema.
Our role goes far beyond administering treatments; we are educators, advocates, and supporters who help patients understand their condition and manage it effectively. The therapeutic relationship we build with patients is rooted in trust, empathy, and open communication—all of which are essential for successful eczema management.
But given the complexities, contradictions and confusion faced by many consumers living with eczema, this has also been a difficult ask for nurses. That’s why having access to evidence-based resources and practical tools is so important.
An Eczema Care Plan: A tool for enhancing patient care
The availability of a new evidence-based eczema care plan is a significant enhancement in the management of eczema and provides valuable resources nurses can use to help patients out of the treatment maze.
Co-designed with patients and health professionals, including nurses, this resource is patient-friendly and suitable for use in all primary care settings. The care plan supports conversations between all health professionals and patients, enhancing patient confidence to manage their eczema effectively. And it’s not just a list of tasks; it is a comprehensive resource that supports patients at every step of their journey. The plan helps to demystify eczema, helping patients understand what they are dealing with and how they can take control of their health.
One of the strengths of the Eczema Care Plan is its adaptability to each patient’s unique needs. Nurses can work with patients to tailor the plan to their specific triggers, treatment preferences, and lifestyle factors. This personalised approach ensures that the care plan is not only relevant but also practical and achievable for the patient. When patients see that their individual circumstances are taken into account, it reinforces their trust in their nurse and strengthens the therapeutic relationship.
As nurses, we can use plans like this to guide discussions about symptom management, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications. It structures communication to ensure that both the nurse and patient are on the same page, creating a shared understanding of the patient’s condition and care plan. By involving patients in these conversations, we can empower them to take an active role in their care, boosting their confidence and commitment to the treatment plan.
For patients living with eczema, the treatment maze is all too real. But helping them to find a way out is now an easy win for nurses.
More information
- Eczema Care Plan — The Eczema Care Plan has been developed with funding from the Australian Government.
- Eczema Learning Hub — Information from education provider Medcast
This article was originally published in the Summer 2024-25 edition of ACN’s quarterly member publication The Hive. Members can access all past editions of The Hive on MyACN. Non-members can get a sneak peek by viewing our open-access articles.
Author: Peta Harbour MACN
ACN Senior Nurse Advisor
Author: Sue Brown
Director, QUM Connect
