Therapeutic education in atopic dermatitis: Results from an observationnal cohort

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that requires therapeutic patient education (TPE). In the derma-tology department, we initiated a therapeutic education pro-gram for patients with AD. This study aims to describe our therapeutic education activity. We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study at the Dermatology Depart-ment of Mustapha Hospital in Algiers, including all patients with moderate-to-severe AD (SCORAD ≥ 25) observed between January 2024 and June 2024. Demographic data, SCORAD, and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pruritus were col-lected. Thirty-five patients with AD were enrolled, and all par-ticipants attended three therapeutic education sessions. The mean NRS pruritus score was 7 at baseline and decreased to 4 after six months. The mean SCORAD was 34.6 at baseline and 21.2 at six months. TPE is an integral part of the mana-gement of AD and is recommended in international guidelines. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in re-ducing pruritus, disease severity, and improving quality of life. Our results highlight the value of atopy schools in the mana-gement of AD. The development of educational structures is essential for the treatment of chronic dermatological diseases.