Study on Flare Definition

When it comes to atopic dermatitis (AD), “flare” is a term generally used to describe worsening of disease or a disease event. This term is used in eczema research, healthcare practice and clinical trials, yet there is no one definition. Furthermore, there is no definition created with significant input from patients themselves.

In 2023, the research team at the National Eczema Association (NEA) conducted an online survey to learn more about AD patient experiences and get closer to a definition of “flare” from the patient perspective.

The purpose of this survey was to validate among a larger group of AD patients what we learned from the smaller group of AD patients, and to ultimately gain consensus from the AD patient community on what is important to include in a definition of flare.

Research publications

Key findings from this research were published in: British Journal of Dermatology; and Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology (JAMA Dermatology). Click on the papers below to read the full journal articles.

British Journal of Dermatology, “Towards a patient-centred definition for atopic dermatitis flare: a qualitative study of adults with atopic dermatitis”

Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology, “Consensus on a Patient-Centered Definition of Atopic Dermatitis Flare”

Learn more about this NEA study in the articles below:

New Paper on the Definition of an Eczema Flare

Patients Get Closer to Consensus on the Definition of an Eczema Flare