TORONTO A common fear of corticosteroid use and heavy reliance on the Internet for research are among the findings of a large online survey about eczema awareness, treatment, and quality of life, Isaiah J. Day said at the annual conference of the Canadian Dermatology Association.
The survey of 1,071 English- and French-speaking Canadians included 767 people with eczema and another 304 close relatives of someone affected by the condition. Assessment of self-education about eczema and opinions about corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators were among the goals of the Eczema Awareness, Support, and Education (EASE) database Web survey.
Respondents were asked if they were concerned about using topical steroids. A total of 77% indicated yes, with thinning of the skin cited as the No. 1 reason. "There is steroid phobiait is pervasiveand this may influence compliance," said Mr. Day, a third-year medical student at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.
"Patients may not be aware that steroids come in different potencies," he said.
A total of 632 respondents (59%) reported use of topical corticosteroids by themselves or a relative. Only 44% were aware of topical immunomodulators as a treatment option. Of these, 251 participants (24% of 1,071) reported use of Protopic (tacrolimus) and 150 (14%) reported use of Elidel (pimecrolimus). Three percent did not specify treatment.
The survey was conducted between August 2005 and January 2006. The research was sponsored by Astellas Pharma Inc., which manufactures Protopic. Mr. Day had no disclosure, but his supervisor, Dr. Marlene Dytoc, received funding from Astellas in the past.
"Some fascinating data came when we asked about where they go for information," he said. The leading source was the Internet, cited by 66%, followed by a family physician (55%), dermatologist (50%), and brochures (39%).
"The Internethate it or love it. Patients will increasingly turn to the Internet for information," Mr. Day said. Physicians can help patients with eczema by previewing Web sites and recommending those with credible and accurate information.
Another 36% of respondents said that they get information on eczema from articles in newspapers and/or magazines. "This emphasizes the importance of physicians being aware of what is printed in the lay press. It will affect patients accepting or rejecting certain therapies," he said.
The quality of eczema information that respondents received from their doctor was another survey item. A total of 21% felt it was excellent or very good, but 46% felt it was fair or poor, which "suggests there is still room for improvement in delivery of information to patients," Mr. Day noted.