It can be frustrating when a commonly prescribed eczema treatment doesn’t work for you (or makes your skin worse). You can end up feeling like whatever research is behind these recommended treatments is flawed or just plain wrong.
So why does this happen?
It comes down to how clinical research works. When we run a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT), we are zooming out to see what works best for most people, most of the time. In any large trial, most people might see a clear benefit from a treatment, while a smaller number might see no change, or even get worse. The final clinical recommendation is based on that large majority.
So why do we run these large trials if everyone is different?
By finding out what helps most people, doctors know which advice or treatment to offer first.
Think of research like a satnav. It should help most people get from A to B quickly and safely, but you’re still the one in the driving seat. If you hit a roadblock (like a highly recommended cream causing your skin to flare up) it doesn’t mean the satnav is broken.
We need these overarching directions because healthcare systems like the NHS require a reliable starting point. It ensures that NHS time and funding are focused on the approaches that have the highest chance of working.
What does this mean for you?
It means that a treatment can be strongly supported by evidence and still not be the right treatment for you.
Research helps us find the best place to start, but it cannot tell us in advance which approach will work for every individual. When a treatment doesn’t work as hoped, that frustration highlights why we still need research: there is always more to learn about who benefits, who doesn’t, and why.
Written by Natasha Rogers
Research Media Developer, Rapid Eczema Trials