Text Messages May Improve Teen's Eczema

Here is an article that appeared in EczemaNet Spotlight, an online information resource provided by the American Academy of Dermatology:

Do you wish your tween or teen would just use that eczema treatment as prescribed? If so, you may want to send daily text messages.

A study conducted at the Harvard Medical School found that patients respond to text messages. The text messages worked so well that most patients:

• Stuck to their treatment plan more days per week

• Had less eczema in 6 weeks

• Wanted to keep receiving text messages

All of the patients in this study had atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. The patients were 14 years of age or older. Every patient received a daily text message for 6 weeks. The messages reminded them to use their medicine and gave them educational information about atopic dermatitis.

Most patients (90%) said the education information was helpful. And, 85% said the texts reminded them to treat their skin.

WRU W8ing 4¹? A text message just might be what your teen or tween needs to stick to that treatment plan.


¹ Text message shorthand for “What are you waiting for?”

Reference:
Pena-Robichaux V, Watson AJ, Kvedar JC. “Text messages as a reminder aid and educational tool in adolescents and adults with atopic dermatitis: A pilot study.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010; March:62(3)suppl 1:AB10.

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