FULL SUPPLEMENT: The Importance of Skincare in Eczema: A Novel Over-the-Counter Routine Improves Signs and Symptoms in Patients with Eczema

October 2023 | Volume 22 | Issue 10 | SF388641s1 | Copyright © October 2023


Published online September 30, 2023

Peter Lio MDa, Adelaide A. Hebert MDb

aMedical Dermatology Associates of Chicago, Chicago, IL bUTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston,TX

Abstract
In the United States, the National Eczema Association estimates that 1 out of every 10 people have some form of eczema over their lifetime. As any dermatologist can attest, managing patients with eczema and eczema-prone skin can be challenging. For these patients, maintaining good skin hydration and supporting the skin barrier function are two of the most important actions that can be taken. Due to the wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) products available, clinicians benefit by having available data to compare brands and specific products, since not all products are equal.

This supplement includes results from 4 studies of OTC skincare products (Cetaphil®, Galderma Laboratories, Dallas, TX) specifically designed for patients with eczema or eczema-prone skin. These skincare formulations incorporate soothing ingredients, including colloidal oatmeal, proprietary filaggrin breakdown products, and ceramides. Colloidal oatmeal has moisturizing properties that help restore and nourish the skin barrier and is an ingredient recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration for eczema. Filaggrin breakdown products support the skin's acid mantle, helping maintain a normal pH and healthy enzymatic activity. Ceramides help restore the barrier, allowing healing of the skin.

In this supplement:

Efficacy of Over-The-Counter Cream in Reducing Eczema Signs
Eczema affects approximately 31 million people in the United States and is characterized by dryness, itchiness, scaling, roughness, irritation, or discoloration as well as periodic unpredictable flares.1 Developing a good skincare regimen, including the use of moisturizing creams targeted to eczema-prone skin can reduce the likelihood of flares.4 Cetaphil® Eczema Flare-up Relief Cream (EFRC) was specially developed to help repair damaged skin barrier, relieve uncomfortable symptoms, and reduce flare occurrence of those with eczema and eczema-prone skin.

Read the article here.


Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Two Over-the-Counter Eczema Itch Relief Products
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier damage, which translates to itch, dry skin, rash, scaling, blisters, and skin infections. More than 31 million people – or 10% of the population – in the United States have some form of eczema, including people of all races and ethnicities. Itch or pruritus is one of the primary symptoms of eczema, as well as one of the most bothersome for patients. Pain may also occur with eczema and is sometimes associated with scratching. Eczema pruritus is different from other types of itch, and can be harder to treat.

Read the article here.


Over-the-Counter Moisturizers Significantly Improve Skin Hydration in Adults With Eczema/Atopy-Prone Skin

Eczema- or atopy-prone skin frequently has an ineffective skin barrier, which can lead to redness, irritation, and dryness with periods of remission interspersed with flares. When their eczema flares, patients want rapid relief. Over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers are a cornerstone of eczema therapy and are useful even between itchy periods to soothe the skin and support the skin barrier. Eczema is estimated to affect between 2% and 10% of adults and up to 20% of children. In recent years there has been substantial increases in the knowledge-base about abnormalities in skin barrier and immune system function.

Read the article here.


A Novel 3-Step Over-the-Counter Eczema Regimen Improves Eczema Severity, Itch, and Life Quality: Randomized Study
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a common skin condition which is estimated to affect >31 million people in United States, with up to 25% of children and almost 10% of adults diagnosed at least one time with the disease. It is characterized by recurrent, unpredictable flares of dryness, itchiness, scaling, roughness, irritation, and/or discoloration. Classic AD is often associated with skin distribution patterns: AD tends to affect flexural areas, but the hands and feet can also be involved, especially in adults. Non-classic forms also exist, which can complicate the picture.

Read the article here.