Hydrogels: A Promising Vehicle for the Topical Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with a high worldwide prevalence. AD is characterized by fluctuating and recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itch, being associated with high physical and psychological impact leading to disturbed sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. Most of the patients have mild to moderate forms of atopic dermatitis and topical therapies (emollients, corticosteroids, calcineurin, and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors) are the mainstay of therapy for these patients. Hydrogels are explored in the field of cutaneous application and have proven to be a good solution as a topical vehicle for atopic dermatitis, due to their high water content, improved drug delivery, responsiveness to stimuli and versatility in terms of preparation and drug‐loading, representing a good alternative to regular ointments or creams. This review highlights some of the atopic dermatitis characteristics and the use of hydrogels in the management of this disease. An outline of hydrogels as drug delivery systems for bioactive compounds is discussed, as well as their major advantages and drawbacks when compared to other galenic forms, and also an overview of clinical trials and patents engaged in the past 20 years.