Views on unwanted effects of leave-on emollients and experiences surrounding their incidence

Oakley, Robert; Lawton, Sandra

Abstract

Background: The mainstay treatment for eczema is leave-on emollients. The aim of this study was to find out more about unwanted effects that have been reported with their use, as little is known due to a lack of formal reporting.

Aims: To gain a greater understanding of eczema patients’ experiences of unwanted effects such as stinging, what influence unwanted effects had on their therapy, why subsequent variations in leave-on emollient adherence followed and what patients desire in their emollients.

Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among eczema patients and their carers in March 2016 (using SurveyMonkeyTM).

Results: 210 respondents, including adults and young people with eczema plus carers of children with eczema, which included family and friends. 68% (n=126/185) reported a wide range of 38 unwanted effects. Accounts highlighted the impact on quality of life of these unwanted effects and variations to eczema management that followed. 71% (90/126) of respondents stopped a leave-on emollient due to unwanted effects. Desired characteristics in emollients related to the absence of unwanted effects and product improvements.

Conclusion: Eczema patients and their carers all reported high levels of unwanted effects from leave-on emollient use. Experiences of unwanted effects were multifactorial but common themes arose as did the desire for emollient improvements. Unwanted effects need to be considered when optimising therapy.

Citation

Oakley, R., & Lawton, S. (2016). Views on unwanted effects of leave-on emollients and experiences surrounding their incidence. Dermatological Nursing, 15(4),

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 20, 2016
• Publication Date: Dec 16, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 20, 2017
• Journal: Dermatological Nursing
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-3368
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 4
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/833098
• Publisher URL: http://www.bdng.org.uk/
• Contract Date: Feb 8, 2017