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The ConfidentPatient:A Doctor Discussion Guide AboutAtopic Dermatitis Treatment

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When nothing stops the itch

People living with atopic dermatitis (AD) know that it’s not just itchy skin – it’s sleepless nights, loss of self-esteem, and worsened mental health, too. Constant itchiness and irritation can get in the way of many of life’s special moments, from important milestones to precious time with loved ones.

When lasting relief feels out of reach, or your go-to treatments don’t work as well as they used to, it may be time to talk to a doctor about new options.

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Mapping a path to relief

Moderate-to-severe AD can set off a vicious cycle: intense itching triggers the urge to scratch, which irritates the skin and can lead to chronic inflammation. Over time, thickening and scarring (lichenification) can occur. This cycle can leave you overwhelmed, exhausted, and wondering if lasting relief is even possible.

That’s why the more you share openly with your doctor about the severity of your symptoms and how AD is impacting your life, the better you can work together to find a treatment pathway that meets your needs.

Questions for your dermatologist

Have an upcoming appointment with your dermatologist to discuss treatment options? This is a great time to check in with yourself about your atopic dermatitis symptom severity and get your questions ready for your doctor. Having an honest discussion about your treatment needs can help you determine the appropriate next steps.

Not sure where to start? These questions can help guide a conversation.

    Tracking symptoms and severity
  • What symptoms should I be tracking, and what’s the best way to record them?
  • How do I know if I am experiencing a flare? What should I do if I am?
  • How would you describe my severity? How will that inform your treatment approach?
  • How will I know when it’s time to seek treatment beyond over-the-counter products?

    Exploring treatment options
  • What treatment options are currently available, and how do they work?
  • Based on my profile, which treatments am I a good candidate for?
  • Are there any treatment options that offer more than just temporary relief from my symptoms?

    Meeting your skin’s unique needs
  • How will you evaluate whether my treatment is working or not? How will we measure and track this?
  • How do we decide if it’s time to make a treatment change, and what does that process look like?
  • How can I get back to looking and feeling like myself while managing treatment?

Coming prepared with questions like these can help you get the most out of your doctor’s appointments and ensure you’re getting the care your skin needs.

Symptom Check-in

Did you recently have a flare?

When something triggers your symptoms – like itchiness, rashes, or swelling – they may flare, or temporarily get worse. Flares can be difficult to cope with. Let’s check in about how you’ve been feeling lately.

In the last month, have you experienced any of these symptoms?

☐ Intense itchiness
☐ Dry or cracked skin
☐ Changes in skin color (including brown,
    gray, or purple patches)
☐ Swelling or inflammation
☐ Rough or leathery patches of skin
☐ Blisters or sores that ooze, crust, or weep

The Check-up

Sharing what’s changed

Describing symptom flares and how they’re impacting you can be hard. Here are some ways to talk about them with your doctor:

  • “My skin looks and feels worse recently than it has in a long time. Is there a way to get relief that isn’t just temporary?”
  • “In the last few weeks, I’ve had such intense itchiness that it’s disrupting my daily activities, my relationships, and even my sleep. Can we talk about that?”
  • “Even with treatment, my symptoms feel like they’re getting worse. Is it time to think about finding a new treatment option?”

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