Improved clinical outcomes with moisturization in dermatologic disease

Controlled clinical studies have provided strong evidence that moisturizers not only enhance the efficacy of topical corticosteroids in patients with atopic dermatitis but also may prevent disease reexacerbation. Furthermore, moisturizers have been shown to have a steroid-sparing effect both in patients with atopic dermatitis and in those with psoriasis. In particular, certain lipid-dominant moisturizers have been shown to significantly (P<.05) improve the condition of the skin based on objectively assessed changes in clinical parameters when used by patients with various dermatoses. Although further research is warranted, moisturizers represent a valuable first-line treatment option for many dermatologic diseases and confer a number of important therapeutic benefits beyond mere cosmetic effects.