Efficacy of moisturizers in paediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Topical moisturizer is recommended for atopic dermatitis.The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of moisturizer in young patients.A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on randomised controlled trials comparing participant's ≤15 years with atopic dermatitis, receiving either topical moisturizer or no moisturizer treatment. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.Six trials were included (intervention n= 436; control n= 312). Moisturizer use extended time to flare by 13.52 days (95% confidence interval 0.05-26.99, I2 88%). Greater reduction in risk of relapse was observed during the first month of latency (pooled risk ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.72, I2 28%) compared to the second and third months (pooled risk ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.91, I2 35% and pooled risk ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.83, I2 33%, respectively).Treated patients were 2.68 times more likely to experience a three-six months remission (95% confidence interval1.18-6.09, I2 56%). Moisturizer minimally improved disease severity and quality of life.There is a dire need to conduct randomised controlled trials with more robust and standardised designs.Moisturizer benefits young patients with atopic dermatitis. However, more research is needed to better estimate its efficacy.