A pilot study of emollient therapy for the primary prevention of atopic dermatitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prevention strategies in atopic dermatitis (AD) using allergen avoidance have not been consistently effective. New research reveals the importance of the skin barrier in the development of AD and possibly food allergy and asthma. Correcting skin barrier defects from birth may prevent AD onset or moderate disease severity.

Objective

We sought to determine the feasibility of skin barrier protection as a novel AD prevention strategy.

Methods

We enrolled 22 neonates at high risk for developing AD in a feasibility pilot study using emollient therapy from birth.

Results

No intervention-related adverse events occurred in our cohort followed up for a mean time of 547 days. Of the 20 subjects who remained in the study, 3 (15.0%) developed AD, suggesting a pro

SUBMITTER: Simpson EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3156679 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature