Preventing Flares in Atopic Dermatitis

Zoe Diana Draelos, MD (00:07):

Flare prevention atopic dermatitis is the name of the game, and flare prevention means maintaining the skin barrier. Unfortunately, many skin care medications do not maintain the skin barrier, but skin care products that are sold over the counter, moisturizers, cleansers are key to maintaining the skin barrier.

(00:27):

We now have new cleansers with hydrophobically-modified polymers, that decreases the penetration of surfactants into the skin. That tight, dry feeling people get after they've immediately washed is basically surfactant penetrating into the skin, and that can trigger a flare in a damaged-barrier individual, such as one with atopic dermatitis.

(00:48):

So some of the newer cleansers, coupled with excellent moisturization that's applied both morning and evening, can maintain the skin barrier and prevent flares, along with prescription medication.

(00:59):

Maintenance therapies for many of our topical agents have not really been established, but perhaps using the product twice a week, once a week, and then good daily skin care is the best way to prevent atopic flares.