What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Inflammation.

Where was this research published?

Published in American journal of clinical dermatology on July 9, 2026.

Why patients skip their dermatitis treatments and how to help them stick with care

Q: What did this Review find?

This systematic review examined **50 studies involving 17,124 adults** across 17 countries to identify barriers preventing patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) from consistently using prescribed topical medications. Researchers found that poor adherence stems from multiple interconnected factors: pa

A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing Adult Adherence to Topical Medications in Atopic Dermatitis.

American journal of clinical dermatology • July 9, 2026 • Review • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This systematic review examined 50 studies involving 17,124 adults across 17 countries to identify barriers preventing patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) from consistently using prescribed topical medications. Researchers found that poor adherence stems from multiple interconnected factors: patients forgetting to apply treatments, lacking knowledge about their condition, and experiencing corticosteroid phobia—fear of side effects from steroid-based creams. The study reveals that medication adherence isn't simply a matter of willpower; it's shaped by practical concerns like complex application regimens, cost barriers, and inconsistent advice from healthcare providers.

The research identified four major categories of obstacles to treatment adherence. Patient-related barriers include forgetfulness and misconceptions about topical steroids, while therapy-related factors involve complicated treatment schedules and the inconvenience of vehicle preparation. Socioeconomic barriers—particularly medication costs and influence from family and internet sources—significantly impact adherence rates. Healthcare system issues like poor clinician communication and time constraints further undermine treatment compliance, alongside the chronic, unpredictable nature of AD itself.

The good news: many barriers are modifiable and preventable. The review recommends implementing patient-centered education programs, simplifying medication regimens, introducing reminder tools, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and strengthening the therapeutic relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Standardizing how adherence is measured across studies would help future research better evaluate intervention effectiveness. These findings have broader implications for managing any chronic skin condition requiring topical therapy.

📄 Original Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis requiring multifaceted treatment. Poor adherence to topical therapy hinders symptom management, highlighting the need to identify barriers influencing adherence among adults with AD. Identify factors influencing adherence to topical therapy among adults with AD and outline strategies to improve adherence. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and with PROSPERO registration (CRD42023488557). PubMed and EMBASE were searched in December 2023 for articles with relevant terms published from 2000 to 2023, and the search was updated in April 2025. Eligible studies reported original data on adherence to topical therapy in adults with AD and findings were categorized using the World Health Organization's adherence dimensions. A total of 50 studies involving 17,124 adults across 17 countries were analyzed. Patient-related barriers included patient forgetfulness, knowledge about AD and treatment options, as well as topical corticosteroid phobia. Therapy-related factors included regimen complexity, vehicle preparation, and symptom perception. Cost and advice from family, friends, and the internet were frequent socioeconomic concerns. Healthcare system factors included clinician communication, time constraints, and inconsistent guidance. Condition-related factors including disease severity and chronicity also shaped adherence. Topical therapy adherence among adults with AD is influenced by several modifiable barriers including patient forgetfulness, education, treatment duration, and vehicle preparation. Future work should standardize adherence measurement tools and definitions. Proposed strategies may integrate patient-centered education, simplified regimens, reminder tools, cost reduction, and strong therapeutic relationships to support sustained adherence and improve long-term outcomes.

Paper Type

📚 Review

Publication

Journal: American journal of clinical dermatology
Published: July 9, 2026
PMID: 42426351
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-026-01053-y

Authors (7)

Stacey N Giuffre Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA.
Aditya Joshi Department of Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
Camila R Marquez Department of Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
Caitlyn B Dagenet University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Lauren Gawey Department of Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
+2 more authors