A randomized trial of a barrier lipid replacement strategy for the prevention of atopic dermatitis and allergic sensitization: the PEBBLES pilot study

It is hypothesised that the impaired skin barrier in atopic dermatitis (AD) allows the immune system to be exposed to environmental allergens, resulting in sensitisation and allergic disease[1]. Two small trials recently found that routine use of emollients reduced the incidence of AD during the active treatment period by approximately half [2, 3]. It remains unknown if prophylactic use of emollients can prevent the development of AD beyond the treatment period (as opposed to simply delay its onset) or if this reduction in AD leads to a reduced risk of allergic sensitisation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.