Self-reported participant experience with desonide hydrogel in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate patients' real-world experiences with desonide hydrogel for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). Physicians who participated in this patient-experience program identified eligible participants (age range, < 3 months to 91 years) for treatment with desonide hydrogel 0.05%. The medication was prescribed by each participant's physician according to his/her practice guidelines and was provided to the participant at no charge. Patients (or their parents/guardians) voluntarily participated by providing consent and completing 2 surveys: one at baseline (pretreatment) and the other approximately 3 weeks after initiation of desonide hydrogel treatment (posttreatment). The pretreatment survey included questions about prior topical medication use for AD and satisfaction with prior treatments. The second survey assessed compliance with desonide hydrogel, satisfaction with treatment, characteristics of desonide hydrogel, intent to continue treatment, and willingness to recommend desonide hydrogel to others. A total of 1185 participants completed both the pretreatment and posttreatment surveys. Participant satisfaction with desonide hydrogel was 95% greater than satisfaction with prior topical medications for AD (P < .01). Adherence to treatment with desonide hydrogel was more than 80% based on reports from participants. Eighty-nine percent of participants reported that they would continue to use the medication for their condition if needed and 85% would recommend desonide hydrogel to others. Prescribing physicians received individual summaries of survey responses reported by each of his/her participating patients, which provided valuable feedback regarding participants' perceptions of treatment. Participants reported favorable experiences after treatment with desonide hydrogel compared with prior topical therapies. Desonide is widely prescribed for the treatment of AD.