Managing a chronic disease often presents challenges in gauging the effectiveness of various treatments, and atopic dermatitis is no exception. Those affected routinely engage in multiple daily practices: using specialized skincare products, applying emollients, avoiding certain triggers, performing regular household cleaning, and applying prescribed treatments, among other tasks.
Yet, despite these efforts, results might sometimes seem elusive, leading to feelings of frustration and discouragement. This underscores the need for a reliable assessment tool to gauge the efficacy of these actions. Enter the POEM (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure) questionnaire, a measure crafted by British medical professionals.
The POEM questionnaire comprises seven questions that delve into the skin's condition and the patient's overall well-being. Adult patients can easily complete this questionnaire independently, while parents can evaluate their children's conditions based on keen observations or feedback from the young ones. Regularly filling out the questionnaire, say weekly, provides clear insights into the dynamics of the atopic dermatitis—be it worsening (exacerbation) or improving (remission). With this data at hand, one can make informed decisions to modify care as necessary.
Complete the POEM questionnaire in the Atopic App once a week to assess the severity and dynamics of the condition of AD.