Skin Barrier Matters: A Simple Strategy to Reduce Infantile Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is strongly linked to impaired skin barrier function, particularly in early infancy. While European guidelines advise limiting bathing to preserve the barrier, practices differ globally. In Japan, frequent bathing and gauze wiping from the neonatal period are common, but may not be ideal for barrier protection.

A recent Japanese cohort study explored the impact of skin care methods on AD development. It compared two infant care regimens: a conventional skin care protocol (control group; n=132) and a less invasive regimen combining gentle cleansing and moisturizing (intervention group; n=140). Notably, among infants born during the cold, dry months (January–March), the incidence of AD at 12 months was significantly lower in the intervention group (2.9%) versus the control group (21.2%).

These findings suggest that implementing mild washing techniques alongside consistent moisturizing from the neonatal period especially during seasons of low humidity, may help fortify the skin barrier and reduce the risk of AD onset.

Source:

Yuguchi A, Nakajima T, Ishii Y, Yoshino Y, Takahashi A, Endo K, et al. Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Babies by Skin Care from the Newborn Period. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology [Internet]. 2024 Nov 13;1–5.