Focus on the role of emollients in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘atopic’ as ‘…a form of allergy in which a hypersensitivity reaction such as eczema or asthma may occur in a part of the body not in contact with the allergen.’¹

Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, that is characterised by eczematous, intensely pruritic lesions, dry skin (xerosis), as well as lichenification (thickening of skin).^2,3 A worsening of the condition (flare) alternates with periods of remission.⁴