Efficacy of a Video Education Program Regarding Basic Skin Care in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Basic skin care education holds the potential to improve clinical outcomes in pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD). However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of video education for patient guardians in Thailand to reduce AD disease severity. To compare the efficacy of a video education program for guardians of pediatric AD patients versus a control group by assessing the severity score of AD (SCORAD), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin hydration (SH). A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital from June 2023 to February 2024, involving AD patients aged < 18 years and their guardians. Both groups received standard treatment, and the educational group received an additional video education program. SCORAD, TEWL, SH, pruritus, sleeplessness, and parental/guardian confidence and knowledge accuracy were assessed at enrollment and a 4-week follow-up. Seventy patients (educational:control group, 34:36) with a median age of 3.1 years were enrolled. The groups exhibited no significant demographic or disease severity differences between them. At follow-up, the educational group showed significant SCORAD improvement compared to the control group (mean difference -10.93 [95% CI -16.92--4.95]; p < 0.001). SH (mean difference 3.82 [95% CI -2.7-10.33]; p = 0.25) and TEWL (mean difference -1.24 [95% CI -5.72-3.24]; p = 0.58) did not differ significantly. Video education demonstrated efficacy in significantly reducing SCORAD. While there were improvements in SH and TEWL in patients in the education group, these improvements were not statistically significant. Further investigation with a larger sample size is warranted. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR): TCTR20230524001.