Treatment failure in atopic dermatitis as a result of parental health belief

Med J Aust. 2013 Oct 7;199(7):467-9. doi: 10.5694/mja12.10802.

Abstract

The gold standard for treatment of atopic dermatitis is topical corticosteroids. Parental alternative health beliefs and fear of topical corticosteroids may lead to non-adherence and treatment failure. At the extreme end, such beliefs may result in neglect constituting reportable child maltreatment. We examine the legal repercussions of such abuse in the criminal case resulting from the death of Gloria Sam.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child Abuse* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Complementary Therapies / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Complementary Therapies / psychology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence / psychology
  • New South Wales
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones