The role of emollients in pathogenetic therapy of atopic dermatitis in children

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AtD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease in childhood. In practical healthcare, the basic mechanism for the development of AtD in children is food allergy. However, recent studies demonstrate that disruptions of the skin barrier structure play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of AtD, contributing to xeroderma and increased skin permeability to allergens. Accordingly, AtD therapy should be targeted not only at relief of allergic reactions but also at restoration and maintenance of the skin barrier integrity. The key role here belongs to agents that restore epidermal lipid content – emollients. Among representatives of the group of treatments, the effectiveness of Stelatopia moisturizing emulsion for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children was confirmed by clinical trials.

Keywords

• atopic dermatitis
• skin barrier
• emollients
• stelatopia