Topical emollient improves xerosis and QoL in atopic dermatitis

Repairing the epidermal barrier is critically important in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the effect of moisturizer on quality of life (QOL) is not well characterized.

A study was done to assess whether the use of a moisturizer improves QOL in atopic patients with xerosis.

Thirty-five (35) adults with xerosis and AD received a moisturizer designed for AD to apply daily for three months. Adherence was assessed with electronic monitors. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline and follow-up.

Results: Mean adherence to the moisturizer was 46%. Dryness improved from 1.9 at baseline to 1.4 at follow-up (P=0.02). DLQI improved from 3.3 at baseline to 1.5 at 3 months (P=0.005). The "feeling self-conscious or embarrassed due to their skin condition" DLQI item improved from 0.79 at baseline to 0.14 at 3 months (P=0.0009).

Moisturizers are the foundation of AD treatment. Even non-medicated topical emollients can improve QOL in patients with AD.

Reference:

Katherine A. Kelly BSa, Madison K. Cook BSa, Rohan Singh BSa, Patrick O. Perche BSa, Esther A. Balogh MDa, Irma M. Richardson MHAa, Steven R. Feldman MD PhDa. Topical Moisturizer Use Meaningfully Reduces Disease Severity in Atopic Patients With Xerosis. Journal of Drugs in dermatology. December 2023 | Volume 22 | Issue 12 | e51 | Copyright © December 2023

Keywords:

Use, topical, emollient, alone, can, improve, xerosis, quality of life, patients, atopic dermatitis, Katherine A. Kelly BSa, Madison K. Cook BSa, Rohan Singh BSa, Patrick O. Perche BSa, Esther A. Balogh