INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, affects 15% to 20% of infants/children, with symptoms generally developing by 1 year of age.1 Pruritus and inflammatory lesions (typically on the infants'/children’s face, neck, and extensor regions) are characteristic symptoms.2 Pruritus may also be accompanied by burning and pain that lowers the infants’/children’s overall quality of life (QoL), including their emotional state and sleep quality, regardless of AD severity.3 Additionally, AD has a secondary impact on parents’/caregivers' QoL, due to increased caregiving responsibilities and psychological stressors (eg, anxiety, depression, and financial burden from long-term treatment/care).4-7
In AD, skin barrier dysfunction manifesting as reduced hydration and elevated transepithelial water loss (TEWL) across the stratum corneum (SC) is apparent in non-lesion and lesion skin, particularly in more severe disease.3,8 For all patients with AD, twice-daily emollient therapy is recommended to repair/support the skin barrier and help reduce flares.9 Colloidal oatmeal is a recognized, safe, well-tolerated, and effective ingredient with a long history of use for skin conditions;10,11 it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant that helps relieve minor eczema-related irritation and itching.
Increasing clinical evidence regarding the use of colloidal oatmeal-based OTC moisturizers for adults and children with mild-to-moderate AD demonstrates efficacy and safety vs prescription nonsteroidal barrier creams.12-15 However, evidence in infants, toddlers, and young children is lacking, particularly in real-world settings incorporating a bathing routine, where it is important to use a mild/gentle, nondrying cleanser that maintains the skin barrier and pH without disrupting or drying out compromised skin. This study evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of a skincare routine using a 1% colloidal oatmeal-containing cream and gentle baby wash in infants/children with AD.
In AD, skin barrier dysfunction manifesting as reduced hydration and elevated transepithelial water loss (TEWL) across the stratum corneum (SC) is apparent in non-lesion and lesion skin, particularly in more severe disease.3,8 For all patients with AD, twice-daily emollient therapy is recommended to repair/support the skin barrier and help reduce flares.9 Colloidal oatmeal is a recognized, safe, well-tolerated, and effective ingredient with a long history of use for skin conditions;10,11 it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter (OTC) skin protectant that helps relieve minor eczema-related irritation and itching.
Increasing clinical evidence regarding the use of colloidal oatmeal-based OTC moisturizers for adults and children with mild-to-moderate AD demonstrates efficacy and safety vs prescription nonsteroidal barrier creams.12-15 However, evidence in infants, toddlers, and young children is lacking, particularly in real-world settings incorporating a bathing routine, where it is important to use a mild/gentle, nondrying cleanser that maintains the skin barrier and pH without disrupting or drying out compromised skin. This study evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of a skincare routine using a 1% colloidal oatmeal-containing cream and gentle baby wash in infants/children with AD.
