INTRODUCTION
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory
disease, with a prevalence of 2–5 percent in the general
population and approximately 15 percent in children
and young adults.1 The disease is characterized by skin barrier
dysfunction, which leads to increased transepidermal water loss,
xerosis and secondary infection. Pruritus is a key feature of AD,
which results in a vicious cycle of itching and scratching and further
compromises the already damaged skin barrier. Emerging
evidence from basic research provides a better understanding
of the epidermal pathogenic mechanisms that may explain the
barrier dysfunction found in AD, including impaired ceramide
synthesis and loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene.2-4
These insights into the disease pathogenesis may provide new
leads in the design of treatments better targeted to AD patients.
Effective management of AD presents a challenge to pediatricians
and dermatologists due to the chronic and relapsing
nature of the disease. Since there is no cure for AD, the treatment
strategy usually involves the treatment of flares followed
by long-term management using flare prevention strategies.5
While topical steroids remain the mainstay of treatment during
flares, the foundation of long-term AD management is proper
skin care with the use of daily skin moisturization according
to several regional and international consensus guidelines.1,6,7
Despite the primary importance of daily skin moisturization,
few data exist regarding the optimum skin care regimen in AD.
Cetaphil® (Galderma SA) is a family of non-irritating skin care
products specifically designed for individuals with sensitive or
compromised skin. The Cetaphil moisturizing cream was shown
to have skin barrier restoration function among rosacea and
acne patients.8,9 The recently available Restoraderm™ products
include a body wash and a body moisturizer (CRM), which were
designed for children and adults with AD to repair skin barrier
function (by using ceramides) and to increase skin hydration (by
supplementing filaggrin breakdown products). In addition, the
moisturizer is comprised of humectants, emollients and occlusives
intended to enhance skin barrier integrity. The objectives
of the present studies on CRM were to determine the effect of
CRM application on skin hydration and signs of AD when used
either alone or in conjunction with topical treatments.
METHODS
These four independent studies were conducted in accordance
with the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practices and
local regulatory requirements. All subjects provided written
