This article has been co-authored by a patient with atopic dermatitis and her consulting dermatologist.

The patient describes her personal experience, the history of her illness, the various treatments she has received and the difficulties encountered.

The physician describes the main characteristics of atopic dermatitis, and reviews this case of chronic eczema and how the patient was given care at the hospital.

The pivotal roles of therapeutic education as an adjunct to conventional therapy, a good patient–physician relationship with consideration of the patient’s personal preferences, and treatment objectives are highlighted.