Fire Control Analogy Explains Eczema Therapy

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Analogies often help make explanations clearer to patients. For example, when treating eczema, I tell them that the potent topical corticosteroid they use for the first 1 to 2 weeks is like the powerful hose that is used to put out a fire—and that the topical calcineurin inhibitor I typically switch them to afterward, used 2 or 3 times a week, is like the regular maintenance that prevents future fires.