Frequency of application of topical corticosteroids for atopic eczema

All clinicians who care for people with atopic eczema should review their current practice and policies to take account of the guidance set out in section 1.

Local guidelines or care pathways for people with atopic eczema should incorporate the guidance.

To measure compliance locally with the guidance, the following criteria could be used. Further details on suggestions for audit are presented in appendix C.

Topical corticosteroids for atopic eczema are prescribed for application only once or twice daily.

If more than one alternative topical corticosteroid is considered clinically appropriate within a potency class, the drug with the lowest acquisition cost is prescribed.

Local clinical audits could also include measurement of compliance with recognised guidelines for the management of atopic eczema and the effectiveness of patient education on the use of topical corticosteroids.