Impact of social media-based follow-up nursing on itch severity and self-care in atopic dermatitis patients: A randomised controlled trial

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease requiring long-term management. Traditional care models often lack continuous support post-discharge. Aim To evaluate the impact of social media-based follow-up nursing on itch severity and self-care in AD patients. Methods This randomised controlled trial included 100 AD patients assigned to either a research group (n=49, received social media-based follow-up nursing) or a control group (n=49, received conventional nursing). Itch severity (numeric rating scale- NRS), eczema area and severity index (EASI), investigator's global assessment (IGA) and self-care ability (exercise of self-care agency scale) were assessed at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. The primary endpoint was the between-group difference in the mean change of the NRS score from baseline. Results At 6 months, patients in the research group showed significantly greater improvement. The mean reduction in the NRS score was 0.93 points greater in the research group than in the control group (95% CI: 0.52 to 1.34; p < 0.001). The research group also demonstrated significantly higher post-intervention total self-care ability scores (138.3 ± 9.00 vs. 111.21 ± 8.99, p<0.001). Limitations This was a single-centre study with a relatively short follow-up period. Conclusion Social media-based follow-up nursing effectively reduces itch severity and improves self-care in AD patients, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for chronic disease management.