Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (Dec 2022)
The Role of a Novel Generation of Emollients, ‘Emollients Plus’, in Atopic Dermatitis
Abstract
Elena Araviiskaia,1 Carlo Pincelli,2 Adele Sparavigna,3 Thomas Luger4 1Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases, First Pavlov State Medical University of St Petersburg, St Petersburg, Russia; 2DermoLab, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; 3Derming Clinical Research and Bioengineering Institute, Milan, Italy; 4Department of Dermatology, University of Munster, Munster, GermanyCorrespondence: Thomas Luger, Dermatology Clinic, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Straẞe 58, Münster, 48149, Germany, Email [email protected]: Emollients are the mainstay maintenance treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). A novel generation of emollients, ‘emollients plus’, containing active, non-medicated substances, has softened the distinction between emollients and topical drugs. A literature search for selected key words was performed using PubMed. Additional papers were identified based on author expertise. Whilst the inclusion of five components of an ideal emollient has been proposed, no such consensus exists for emollients plus and they can vary markedly in their composition and modes of action for AD treatment. This could have a profound effect on their clinical efficacy. The efficacy of emollients plus in restoring and maintaining skin barrier function has been demonstrated on multiple levels, with evidence reported for their effects on the physical and biochemical, microbial, immunological, and neurosensory barriers. When selecting an appropriate AD treatment approach, the safety profiles of the available topical therapies must be carefully considered. There are several proposed treatment approaches for AD, including preventive, proactive, intermittent, and synergistic approaches. Emollients plus may be effective not only as maintenance therapy for AD, but also when used synergistically with anti-inflammatory pharmacological therapies.Keywords: atopic dermatitis, atopic march, emollient, emollient plus, maintenance therapy, skin barrier
