Do Skin Moisturizers Aid in Infant Eczema Prevention

Atopic dermatitis can be prevented by the early application of emollients, or moisturizers, to neonates at high risk for developing atopic dermatitis.

Highlights:

Early use of skin emollients can successfully prevent infantile atopic dermatitis development
Moisturizers, an emollient emulsion, are the best option among the three emollient types available to prevent atopic dermatitis in infancy

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is the most prevalent chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin condition in children, and it affects 5-30% of kids globally. Early application of emollients, or moisturizers, is a successful tactic for preventing atopic dermatitis in newborns at high risk.

About 3,483 infants from 11 randomized controlled trials were analyzed. To prevent atopic eczema, three different emollient types- cream, emulsion (the blending of two fluids), and mixed types- can be used. However, a second analysis suggested that an emollient emulsion might be the best choice.

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, non-contagious, chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is also called eczema, dermatitis or atopy.

‘Emollients, or moisturizers, should be applied to newborns, who are at a high risk of developing atopic dermatitis, as soon as possible.’

“The results of this systematic review and network meta-analysis show that an early application of the skin emollients can effectively prevent AD development in infants,” the authors wrote. “Moreover, among the available three types of emollients, the emollient emulsion is probably the optimal option in infancy to prevent AD development more effectively.”

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema has no known treatment. However, medications can lessen symptoms. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the child’s age, and the location of the rash, the doctor will advise a different course of treatment. Some are applied topically to the skin. Others are consumed orally.

Topical Moisturizers:

It is best to frequently moisturize the skin (ideally, two or three times a day). A moisturizer should be applied after taking a bath or shower, and gently pat your skin dry.

Topical Corticosteroids:

Also known as steroid creams or ointments or cortisone creams these help reduce skin irritation. It is crucial to avoid using a topical steroid without a doctor’s prescription. The strength of these creams and ointments varies and applying the incorrect amount in delicate areas can cause skin damage, especially in young children.

How to Manage Eczema in Infants
It is necessary to manage atopic dermatitis or eczema as best as possible throughout the infant development period.

Topical Anti-inflammatory Drugs:

These include drugs that alter how the immune system responds.

Oral Medications:

These may include corticosteroids or other immune-suppressing medications, and antihistamines (anti-allergy medications) to help reduce itching and help the children sleep through the night. Antibiotics can be used if a rash becomes bacterially infected.

A Potentially New Treatment for Eczema
Treatment with bacteria naturally present on the skin can treat atopic dermatitis in adults and children.

Other Forms of Eczema Treatment can Consist of:

UV light therapy is also known as phototherapy
Wet wraps are applied to skin that is irritated
Bathing in a diluted bleach solution is known as a ‘bleach bath’

What can Parents do to Avoid Eczema Triggers

Short Warm Water Showers:

It is best to opt for brief, warm (not hot) showers or baths. Before using cream or ointment, clean the baby’s skin with gentle, unscented soaps or non-soap cleansers, then pat it dry.

Powerful New Eczema Drug Approved by FDA
The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently approved Dupilumab injection for treating moderate-to-severe eczema.