Moisturising (Moisturizing) Creams In Atopic Dermatitis (AD) (For Professionals)

Moisturising (Moisturizing) Creams In Atopic Dermatitis (AD) (For Professionals)

• Structure of the summary

1. Measuring their efficacy

2. Role of emollients

3. Where is the evidence ?

1.  Measuring their efficacy or the importance of scoring system for physicians

• SCORAD
• Objective SCORAD
• 3 items criteria (more practical and easier to do in daily practice): based on erythema, oedema, excoriation

2. Role of emollients and 3. Where is the evidence ?

• emollients prevent infection, allergen penetration and restores the lipid epidermal barrier (cholesterol, ceramides). However there is no scientific evidence available !
• Emollients include creams, ointments and baths:

1. Creams are better tolerated that ointments and compliance is better.
2. Emollients are helpful and can be applied 3 to 6 times day (amazingly, no studies show the role of emollients !).

• Double pajamas keep the moisture and stockings covering the hands provide a physical barrier and stop excoriations from developing.

• Baths

1. Bathe for 5 minutes in lukewarm water
2. Add oils after 2 minutes
3. But again for all this: no evidence !

Contributors:

Dr Christophe HSU – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland 

Source of information: Oranje AP. Emollients for atopic eczema. 19th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) – Gothenburg (Göteborg), Sweden (Sverige).