A web-based survey on the behavior of moisturizer used in adults with and without atopic dermatitis in Thailand

Moisturizers play an important role in restoring the skin barrier. They should be used to treat and prevent eczema, especially in atopic dermatitis (AD).

To evaluate the factors that influence selection of moisturizers in adult patients with AD and without it. Usage behavior between the two groups was also determined.

A cross-sectional web-based survey was performed.

A total of 1,195 participants with mean age of 46.5 ± 14.5 were enrolled. Fifty participants (4.2%) met the William's criteria for AD diagnosis. Most participants reported using moisturizer every day or two times per day. A non-sticky moisturizer, followed by pleasant odor were considered important properties. For choosing a moisturizer, personal satisfaction was the most common answer given by participants. The most common locations that participants applied moisturizer were the extremities (85.1%) and face (84.9%). Physicians' suggestion was also a significant factor that led to moisturizer use by AD patients but it was not significant in the non-AD group (29.2% vs 14.7%, p = 0.007, OR 2.4). A pH of 5.5 and the anti-inflammatory property were important factors in choosing a moisturizer in the AD group. Both AD and non-AD participants preferred liquid soap over bar soap in daily life.

Our results showed that most participants have basic knowledge of how to use a moisturizer. Physicians' suggestion influenced the selection of moisturizer in AD patients. Thus, physicians should continue to educate in order to achieve good clinical outcomes.