Children with dry skin and atopic predisposition: daily use of emollients in a participant-blinded, randomized, prospective trial.
BACKGROUND
Dry skin reflects a skin barrier defect which can lead to atopic dermatitis. Little is known about the distinct effects of emollient use in children with dry skin and atopic predisposition.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the effects of daily application of pressed ice plant juice (PIPJ)-based emollients and petrolatum-based emollients.


METHODS
Children aged 2-6 years with dry skin and atopic predisposition were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 received emollients containing PIPJ and natural lipids, while group 2 received petrolatum-based emollients. Skin condition and biophysical properties of the skin barrier were assessed at inclusion and weeks 4, 12 and 16.


RESULTS
Skin condition improved significantly in all children. Comparing the groups, children treated with emollients containing PIPJ showed significantly higher stratum corneum hydration values and significantly lower transepidermal water loss values at week 16 on the forearm and forehead. A significant decrease in skin pH was noted in group 2 on the forearm and forehead; group 1 showed a stable course.


CONCLUSIONS
Early intervention with emollients in children with dry skin condition and atopic predisposition may improve their skin condition during daily emollient application. PIPJ-based formulations may be helpful to maintain skin barrier integrity.
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Marianne
M
Schario
Lena
L
Lünnemann
Andrea
A
Stroux
Anett
A
Reisshauer
Torsten
T
Zuberbier
Ulrike
U
Blume-Peytavi
Natalie
N
Garcia Bartels
D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*
D004643:Emollients; D010936:Plant Extracts