Daily, Customized Skin Care Routine Treats Babies and Children With Atopic Dermatitis

Emollients containing licochalcone A, menthoxypropanediol, ceramides, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are highly effective for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in babies and children, according to results from a study presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) Congress, held from September 7 to 10, 2022 in Milano, Italy.

A total of 73 patients, aged 0 to 15 years, were included in the study since as many as 20% of children may have AD, researchers noted. A daily, customized skin care routine tailored to atopic skin needs is recommended to prevent flare-ups; however, skin barriers differ and vary greatly in children and adults.

Researchers conducted 2 prospective, uncontrolled trials that included newborns (0-4 weeks), babies (4-12 weeks), and children (≤15 years) with acute AD flare-ups. Experts and patients’ parents assessed the efficacy of 2 products: acute care cream containing emollients with licochalcone A and menthoxypropanediol, and a basic cleansing formula containing licochalcone A, ceramides, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, respectively. They used SCORAD (0-18 points), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA; 5-point scale) and the Itch Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 1-10) in their assessment.

In the initial 8-week study, acute care cream was applied twice daily for the first 2 weeks, with application of the basic cleansing formula during the remaining 6 weeks for maintenance. In the second, a 6-week study, a care cream containing emollients with licochalcone A, ceramides, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids was applied at least once daily. A cleansing product with more than 60% natural oils was used once daily from weeks 4 to 6.

In the first study, researchers found that patients’ (n=41) flare-ups were significantly reduced throughout the course of treatment, and Itch VAS improved by almost 100% (5.1 to 0.048). No adverse events were seen. Similar results were recorded for patients (n=32) in the second study as 100% of experts and patients confirmed high tolerability of both products, 100% of parents confirmed the cleanser was gentle and efficient for cleaning their baby’s skin, and 97% confirmed the care cream treated babies’ dry skin well.

Researchers concluded, “Acute skin care formulations conta[i]ning Emollients PLUS Licochalcone A and Menthoxypropanediol can significantly support atopic skin during a flare-up, while daily basic care with Emollient PLUS Licochalcone A, Ceramides, and Omega 3 [and omega] 6 fatty acids can create a stable skin condition.” They continued, “Further studies are needed to assess the impact of a regular and early skin care in newborns and babies on sleep quality, overall patients’ quality of life and long term prognosis of AD.”