Atopic Skin Disease

“There is certainly no need to live with eczema”

Dr Peter Norén, Uppsala, Sweden

Atopic stripes logo

Welcome to The Combined Approach to Atopic Eczema

The easy-to-use cost-effective treatment programme that combines optimal topical treatment with habit reversal for habitual scratching

We’ve recently completed a major website update!
We hope you like the new look and features, but if you do come across anything that doesn’t work or doesn’t look right, please let us know via our contact page. Thank you!

Introduction

A great place to start if you’re new to this site and the combined approach.

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Conventional Treatment

The history, physiology and effects of disease, enabling a better understanding of the of moisturizer treatment for dry skin.

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Habit Reversal

A detailed account of the habit reversal technique, including its original application in the treatment of unwanted nervous habits and tics.

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Adults & Older Children

Key messages for using the combined approach with adults and older children.

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Leaflets

Free downloadable leaflets for anyone interested in The Combined Approach.

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Younger Children

The combined approach with younger children and parents.

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The Combined Approach to Atopic Eczema

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A new approach to treating atopic skin disease was introduced at the Daniel Turner Department of Dermatology at Westminster Hospital London in 1989. It is a combined approach, combining optimal conventional topical treatment of atopic eczema with the behaviour modification technique habit reversal to eliminate habitual scratching.

Since its introduction it has been successfully used, first at Westminster Hospital, then at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, in the management of this troublesome condition for increasing numbers of delighted patients.

The approach is detailed in Atopic Skin Disease – A Manual For Practitioners. Links to the main chapters of this manual are given above.

This website has been built on the suggestion of patients to promote The Combined Approach to Atopic Eczema.

www.atopicskindisease.com
is a self-funded membership website of
Psychodermatology UK

a Special Interest Group of
The British Association of Dermatologists

Quick Links

Why atopicskindisease.com?

What is atopic skin disease?

From living with eczema to living without eczema

Quality of life and atopic eczema

Self help

Interviews

FAQs

Information leaflets

What People Are Saying

I am dramatically better

At my advanced age I developed atopic eczema for the first time, and was soon frantic with itching and scratching. The Combined Approach really worked for me! I am not cured, but I am dramatically better. Now I only need daily moisturiser, with topical steroids for a day or so only every six to eight weeks

R.W.
Patient 74 years old

Simple and straightforward measures

It was striking how such a horrible and unpleasant experience could be easily dealt with by these really simple and straightforward measures

J.H.
Patient 62 years old

My skin is the best it has been in my life

I was sceptical before the treatment began but I’ve been amazed by the results. My skin is the best it has been in my life. It has without a doubt improved my quality of life – it’s also improved the quality of life of my partner who no longer has to put up with my scratching through the night!

E.M.
Patient 20 years old

A welcome break

This programme has left my skin stronger, more versatile and most importantly more manageable than I can remember. A welcome break after 24 years

F.R.
Patient 24 years old

Clear, logical and easy to use

He is now facing his teenage years without weeping sores. The programme is clear, logical and easy to use, and I cannot recommend it more highly. It has made a tremendous difference to his life – thank you : we are extremely grateful

Parent of A.L.
Patient 11 years old

Based on common sense

The treatment programme is very simple, and is based on common sense

Dr Peter Norén
Dermatologist

Empowered to take charge

Using The Combined Approach, the patient is empowered to take charge of their eczema, and stop it controlling their life

Dr Valerie Dock
Family Physician

Will improve the quality of life for many

There is no doubt that The Combined Approach to eczema described here is effective and so will improve the quality of life for many patients with atopic eczema

Dr John Cotterill
Dermatologist

The programme… changed my life!

The programme is a complete success and has changed my life in a way I never thought possible! I am very grateful

D.E.
Patient 23 years old

My general well being and comfort have dramatically improved

Since completing the course my skin is a lot healthier. There are relapses but these can be zapped as instructed. Overall my general well being and comfort have dramatically improved. Thank you

N.A.
Patient 29 years old

Remarkable

Within a few days he was hardly scratching. It was quite remarkable

I.O.
Mother of 2 year old

Gives patients both skills and knowledge to control their eczema

The Combined Approach is effective in reversing the distress and low self esteem of chronic atopic eczema – it gives patients both skills and knowledge to control their eczema, and to improve the quality of their life

Jill Peters
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

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