34% of eczema self-management apps contain information which is inconsistent with international guidelines, says study

A study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology has claimed that 34% of eczema smartphone applications contain information which is inconsistent with international guidelines, particularly regarding treatments and the progression of the condition.

The study reviewed 98 eczema self-management smartphone apps, aimed at patients and carers. Of the apps 67 were in English, 22 in Chinese and nine in Spanish.

Of the apps assessed, 84% provided educational information, 39% tracking functions and 13% both. In addition to the 34% of apps providing information which is inconsistent with international guidelines, only 15% provided information supported by international guidelines on pharmacological therapies and 16% on nonpharmacological therapies. None of the included apps complied with all criteria for educational information, tracking functions or health information principles. 11% failed to mention mainstay therapies such as the use of emollients and moisturisers.