Appropriateness of prescribing for childhood eczema: evidence from a community-based study

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 Sep;31(5):671-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2006.02210.x.

Abstract

Data on dispensed prescriptions of topical corticosteroids and emollients were analysed in a population of 25 484 children aged<or=6 years in Tayside, Scotland. Over a 17-month period, 5818 (22.8%) children were prescribed a topical corticosteroid; half of this group, (2946; 50.6%) were not prescribed any emollient. In the group of children prescribed topical corticosteroids, 3505/5818 (60.2%) received combined preparations of topical corticosteroids with antimicrobials over this time period, and potent or very potent preparations were prescribed for 923/5818 (15.9%).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Eczema / drug therapy*
  • Emollients / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Scotland

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Emollients