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Moisturizer Use in Children With Atopic Dermatitis: Real-Life Practice, Beliefs, and Challenges Among a Cohort of
Jihan Muhaidat1, Alsharif Mohammad Fawwaz2, Firas Al-Qarqaz1
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Background:
Moisturizers are a crucial baseline therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD).
Objective:
To evaluate the real-life experience of using moisturizers in AD patients and to assess parents' opinions and challenges regarding moisturizer use.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire completed by the parents of pediatric AD patients. The assessment questionnaire evaluated demographic factors as well as practices, opinions, and challenges regarding the use of moisturizers in AD treatment. Applying moisturizers twice daily, considered sufficient use, was evaluated across demographic levels using bivariate analysis.
Results:
A total of 425 patients with AD participated in the study. The median age was 4 years, 51% of patients were female, 61% had moderate to severe AD, 34% had a family history of AD, and 41% of cases reported sufficient moisturizer use. Factors associated with increased frequency of application of moisturizers included younger age at diagnosis, higher parents' educational level, and increased family income. The twice-daily application versus less frequent application was associated with fewer monthly flare-ups (33% vs. 17%, p < 0.001). Overall, 54% of patient guardians believed that moisturizers were necessary for treating AD, 69% considered fragrance-free formulas to be better, and 86% thought there to be a need for counseling from their physician on using moisturizers in AD treatment. Factors undermining the application of moisturizers included the time needed for application, cost, and lack of patient cooperation.
Conclusion:
In real-world practice, parents tend to underutilize moisturizers. To address this issue, treating physicians must provide additional education, and health insurance companies should consider covering moisturizers to ensure their accessibility.
