of incidence) of the time-to-AD development and hazard ratios were estimated. Allergic sensitization to egg white and ovomucoid at 32 weeks was assessed, and study results showed that measurements of TEWL on the forehead could contribute to identifying neonates at high risk of developing AD.25
Another randomized controlled trial examined the effects of the twice-daily application of a ceramide-containing emollient for the first six months of life on the incidence of AD and skin barrier dysfunction in high-risk infants up to 12 months of age.26 Eighty infants with a family history of allergic disease were recruited. Clinical follow-up of infants by a blinded assessor occurred at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months of age. Among the intervention group, children who developed food sensitization had a later initiation of treatment.26 Results showed twice-daily prophylactic use of the ceramide-containing moisturizer may have a stronger potential to prevent the development of food sensitization than once-daily application of emollients used in previous trials.26
A pilot study evaluated frequent oil baths and facial moisturizer application in 56 six-week-old children with xerosis. Seventyfive percent (75%) of the 24 children comprising the intervention group had normal skin condition after 6 months of more frequent product use than did the children in the control group (37.5%) with fewer oil baths and facial moisturizer use.27
Parental education and the application of moisturizers are recommended as an integral part of AD prevention, treatment and maintenance (Figure 2).5 Studies on prevention of allergy and sensitization in infants and children, such as for AD, have shown
