Direct observed "soak and smear" therapy for severe eczematous dermatitis in the combat setting.
BACKGROUND
Eczematous dermatitis is difficult to control in a combat setting and may result in a service member's early return to the United States. We report on seven patients with presumed eczematous dermatitis for whom traditional treatments had failed.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of "soak and smear" in eczematous dermatitis.


METHODS
The patients were treated with 3 days of direct observed soak and smear therapy with topical steroids.


RESULTS
All seven patients significantly improved with treatment, showing a decrease in investigator global assessment, patient self-assessment, and pruritus scores.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that direct observed soak and smear therapy is an effective tool with which to rapidly improve severe eczema. Additionally, this method can be used in the combat environment.
Rustad
Kristina
K
Uniformed Services Health Science University, Bethesda, USA.
Henning
Scott
S
D000328:Adult; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D004485:Eczema / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D017592:Skin Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014221:Triamcinolone