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Published on: September 26, 2019
Efficacy of moisturizers in paediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised
Chawan Kritsanaviparkporn1, Phoomphut Sangaphunchai1, Arucha Treesirichod1
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhonnayok, Thailand.
Insights
Topical moisturizers significantly benefit young patients with atopic dermatitis by extending time to flare and reducing relapse risk. Further research is needed to fully establish efficacy, but current evidence supports their use.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children.
- Topical moisturizers are a cornerstone of AD management, aiming to improve skin barrier function and hydration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy of topical moisturizers in pediatric patients (≤15 years) with atopic dermatitis.
- To identify knowledge gaps concerning moisturizer effectiveness in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Included trials compared topical moisturizer use versus no moisturizer in children with AD.
- Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.
Main Results:
- Six trials involving 436 patients (intervention) and 312 (control) were analyzed.
- Moisturizer use extended time to flare by 13.52 days and reduced relapse risk, particularly in the first month.
- Patients using moisturizers were more likely to achieve 3-6 months remission; disease severity and quality of life showed minimal improvement.
Conclusions:
- Topical moisturizers demonstrate clear benefits for young patients with atopic dermatitis.
- The current evidence supports moisturizer use, but highlights the need for more robust, standardized RCTs to refine efficacy estimates.
Background:
Topical moisturizer is recommended for atopic dermatitis.
Aims:
The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of moisturizer in young patients.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on randomised controlled trials comparing participant's ≤15 years with atopic dermatitis, receiving either topical moisturizer or no moisturizer treatment. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.
Results:
Six trials were included (intervention n= 436; control n= 312). Moisturizer use extended time to flare by 13.52 days (95% confidence interval 0.05-26.99, I2 88%). Greater reduction in risk of relapse was observed during the first month of latency (pooled risk ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.72, I2 28%) compared to the second and third months (pooled risk ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.91, I2 35% and pooled risk ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.83, I2 33%, respectively).Treated patients were 2.68 times more likely to experience a three-six months remission (95% confidence interval1.18-6.09, I2 56%). Moisturizer minimally improved disease severity and quality of life.
Limitations:
There is a dire need to conduct randomised controlled trials with more robust and standardised designs.
Conclusion:
Moisturizer benefits young patients with atopic dermatitis. However, more research is needed to better estimate its efficacy.
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