Device-derived skin moisture, oil and softness scores in infants and young children with atopic dermatitis: a...

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that predominantly affects infants and children. AD is associated with impaired skin barrier function, increased transepidermal water loss and reduced skin hydration. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been used as a non-invasive approach for estimating skin moisture-related parameters. This study aimed to investigate skin moisture percentage and additional device-derived skin surface scores (MOIST, OIL, and SOFTNESS) in children with AD and to evaluate their relationship with disease severity.

This prospective case-control study was conducted from January to March 2025 at the University of Health Sciences Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital. The study included 50 children with AD and 50 control children without clinically apparent AD or visible inflammatory skin disease. All participants were aged 0-2 years, defined as children younger than 3 years. Skin moisture percentage and device-derived MOIST, OIL and SOFTNESS scores were measured using a portable bioelectrical impedance device. AD severity was assessed using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index and grouped according to commonly used total SCORAD severity thresholds. Complete blood count parameters were recorded for both groups, whereas serum total IgE, serum specific IgE levels for hen's egg, cow's milk, and nuts, and skin prick test results were additionally recorded in the AD group.

Children with AD had significantly lower skin moisture percentage than controls (33.15% versus 44.0%; p = 0.001). Device-derived MOIST, OIL, and SOFTNESS scores were also significantly lower in the AD group than in controls. These parameters were lower in children with severe AD than in those with mild-to-moderate AD. In the AD group, food allergen sensitization was detected in 20 patients (40%); however, in this exploratory subgroup analysis, device-derived skin parameters did not differ significantly between patients with and without allergen sensitization.

Children with AD had lower device-derived skin moisture percentage and skin surface scores than controls without clinically apparent AD or visible inflammatory skin disease. These parameters were also lower in severe AD. Device-derived skin surface measurements may provide supportive, non-invasive information on skin surface changes in children with AD; however, further validation studies are needed before routine clinical use.