Moisturizer to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder associated with a decreased ability of the skin to function as an efficient immunological barrier. The disease is now two to three times more prevalent in children than it was just four decades ago. It is manifested by eczematous skin lesions associated with severe itch, leading to a significant impairment in quality of life. Of additional importance, AD oftentimes progresses to allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, a process referred to as the "atopic march." Recent reports have indicated that daily application of moisturizing creams on neonates and infants can prevent the occurrence of AD and subsequently food allergies. This is postulated to be the outcome of restoring the barrier integrity of the skin through the daily application of moisturizer.