EMOLLIENT THERAPY IN ATOPIC-DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) has shown a marked increase in the l ast decade, affecting 10-15% of children. The clinical presentation is that of an itchy, dermatitic, dry skin which results from immunologic al dysfunction and includes changes in the noninvolved skin. These alt erations include increased itchiness, morphological change, low sebum production, disturbance in water exchange correlated with impaired bar rier function, loss of vascular regulation, and secondary staphylococc al colonization. The management of the disease includes both general a nd topical measures: moisturizers or emollients, antibacterial treatme nt and corticosteroids. Humectants are widely used in emollients to in crease or maintain the water content in the stratum corneum. The effic acy of emollients may be assessed by clinical and noninvasive methods which determine their effect on skin hydration or barrier function. It is clear that emollients have an important role in improving skin dry ness, particularly in atopic dermatitis, often reducing the need for t opical corticosteroids. In conclusion, emollients should be used proph ylactically, as well as therapeutically, provided they are cosmeticall y acceptable to the patient and are used frequently.