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Research

Age related, structured educational programmes for the management of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents: multicentre, randomised controlled trial

BMJ 2006; 332 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7547.933 (Published 20 April 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:933

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Trial registration

I would be grateful if the authors could supply their trial
registration number for this paper.

Competing interests:
Director of ISRCTN

Competing interests: No competing interests

26 April 2006
Anne N Greenwood
Publisher
Science Navigation Group, London W1T 4LB

Educational holidays exist for children with eczema in the UK

Readers of this article in the UK may wish to be aware of holidays
organised by Asthma UK for children aged 6-16 with asthma, eczema and
other allergies (including anaphylaxis).

For 6 years I have been involved with these holidays, which are
staffed by trained volunteers who come from backgrounds including
healthcare and teaching. Importantly, many also have asthma or eczema.
They can therefore empathise with the challenges that children with these
conditions face on a daily basis - the routine medications, the bullying
at school and the self-consciousness during physical education lessons.
Crucially, participating children are able to meet other children who have
asthma or eczema at a similar severity to themselves. The benefits of
sharing advice, ideas and tips between peers are far greater than any
didactic approach from adults.

I don't have any of these conditions, and I continue to be amazed at
how children manage to overcome these barriers. The outcomes of these
holidays are internally audited, but some of the greatest indicators come
from the anecdotal feedback from parents following attendance at a
holiday. Improving self-confidence can have such a large impact on the
daily severity of eczema that it should be a cornerstone of management.

More details can be found about Kick Asthma Holidays at the Asthma UK
website (www.asthma.org.uk). Over 200 children take part every year, and
significant funding is available to most families.

Competing interests:
Volunteer with Asthma UK "Kick Asthma" Holidays

Competing interests: No competing interests

22 April 2006
David R Hogg
FY1 Doctor
Stirling Royal Infirmary
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