Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps are being taken by (a) his Department, (b) NHS England and (c) NICE to ensure there is a NICE clinical guideline and quality standard in place for atopic dermatitis in adults.

NHS England is the principal commissioner of clinical guidelines and National Health Service related quality standards from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

NICE and NHS England have been in discussion about developing a clinical guideline and quality standard on atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults. NHS England has recently consulted on a draft policy which included the prescribing of emollient bath and shower preparations for dry and pruritic skin conditions and will consider the appropriateness of referring a guideline on atopic dermatitis in adults to NICE after the consultation responses have been reviewed.

Details of this can be seen in the consultation document at the following link:

https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/consultation/items-routinely-prescribed-update/user_uploads/low-priority-prescribing-consultation-guidance.pdf