Paediatric atopic dermatitis in Perth general practice

Ninety-seven Perth general practitioners completed a self-administered postal questionnaire that aimed to examine their caseload and management practices for childhood atopic dermatitis (AD). General practitioners saw a median of two new cases and three follow-up consultations per month for childhood AD, and referred a median of 10% of cases to a specialist, usually a dermatologist. Most (77%) recommended emollients for all patients, but only 21% specifically reported advising their use immediately after bathing. Sixty-one percent would use topical corticosteroids in all or most patients, but cream preparations were more commonly used (58%) than ointments (40%). Atrophy was rated as a common or very common side-effect of topical corticosteroid therapy by 23% of general practitioners. Twenty-six percent reported using oral corticosteroids in children with AD. Dietary changes would be recommended in at least a few AD patients by 79% of general practitioners, and 31% would recommend a change from cow's milk to soy in the absence of a history of dietary triggers. We conclude that general practitioners appeared generally well informed about AD management. However, dermatologists, through targeted education, may be in a position to help general practitioners further improve outcomes for these patients.