Impaired skin barrier function in dermatologic disease and repair with moisturization

Abstract

There is a substantial body of data demonstrating that atopic dermatitis and various other skin diseases are associated with disturbances of skin barrier function as evidenced by an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a decrease in water-binding properties, and a reduction in skin surface lipids, specifically levels of ceramides. The results of clinical studies suggest that these deficits can be addressed through the judicious use of appropriate moisturizers, which have been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce susceptibility to irritation, and restore the integrity of the stratum corneum. Some emollients also supply the compromised stratum corneum with vital lipids and accelerate barrier recovery. Moisturizers serve as an important first-line therapeutic option for patients with atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin diseases and can be highly beneficial in improving the clinical signs and symptoms of these challenging dermatologic conditions.