- AVEENO® surveyed 3,012 parents with children ages five and under in India, Indonesia, and China
- According to the survey, 92% of parents expressed their willingness to continue preventive treatments, such as consulting a doctor or using a moisturizer, if their child is in the high-risk bracket of developing atopic dermatitis. .
- A separate study supported by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. subsidiary of Kenvue sheds light on the emerging potential of biomarker screening for early identification of children at risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
92% of parents surveyed by Aveeno “Cross-Country Parental Awareness on Early Interventions for Atopic Dermatitis” want to receive preventive treatments to delay the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD). But only one in four respondents said they were likely to use a moisturizer before symptoms appeared, even if they suspected their child was at risk of AD. Half of the parents surveyed were also unsure or unaware of ways to delay the onset of eczema symptoms.
Emerging research from an independent clinical study conducted from the University of Cork suggests that early intervention methods in AD may help protect the skin barrier thereby potentially reducing the risk. in the development of AD. These methods include consulting a child’s doctor for a recommended action plan, daily use of emollients, and practicing gentle skin care routines.
DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMARKERS AS A PROGNOSTIC TOOL THROUGH NON-INVASIVE METHODS
Recent data shared at the 25th World Congress of Dermatology in Singapore suggest that children with a family history of allergic conditions may benefit from screening to assess their likelihood of developing AD. The subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. by Kenvue supported a study to investigate whether certain indicators of skin health could predict the risk of AD in children from birth. The study found that specific markers of skin inflammation tended to be higher in children who later developed AD. This advance in AD care suggests that markers of skin health may have a place in clinical practice that can be used to predict progression of the condition. Additionally, these markers may help identify individuals who would benefit from early protective measures, such as using moisturizers to maintain skin health.
Keshan Gunasinghe, Head of APAC R&D for Kenvue said, “This emerging study that we presented at the World Congress of Dermatology will help us understand the skin markers for children at risk of developing AD and -identify those who would benefit from early interventions. These insights will be important as we continue to deliver innovative and reliable pediatric skin health solutions built on strong scientific evidence through in close collaboration with the pediatric dermatology community.
GAP BETWEEN AWARENESS ON HOW TO PREVENT SYMPTOMS, AND ACTION THAT IS MADE
Daily emollient use is a cornerstone of AD management, to maintain skin hydration and reduce water loss due to deterioration of the epidermal barrier (outer layer of the skin). Breakdown of the epidermal barrier due to AD contributes to water loss, which can lead to xerosis (dry skin).
Deterioration of the condition can negatively affect the child’s psychological health and daily life. Most of the parents surveyed felt that AD most affected the quality of a child’s sleep, and 45% indicated that they usually associate sleep disturbances with the condition. However, one in five parents do not associate sleep disturbances, behavioral problems (such as irritability) or low self-esteem with the condition.
Dr Evelyn Tay, Consultant, Shine Dermatology in Singapore said, “Atopic dermatitis requires timely and appropriate management to control its severity and possible effects on the child’s psychological health. Daily use of emollients improves skin hydration and skin barrier function and reduces the number of active flares in patients diagnosed with AD.
In the “Cross-Country Parental Awareness Survey on Early Interventions for Atopic Dermatitis” survey, it was noted that there is a knowledge gap between the awareness of AD and its preventive treatments against the action taken to appropriately reduce on the frequency of symptoms. Despite 62% of parents being relatively well-informed about ways to delay the onset of AD, 75% of parents surveyed tend not to act on preventive treatments.
Gunasinghe said, “We know that all parents want what’s best for their child and it’s encouraging that most try preventative measures, including consulting their healthcare professional first. . The use of emollients should be part of a parent’s AD management routine. 1% colloidal oatmeal-based emollients strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, potentially preventing the entry of allergens and promoting subsequent allergen sensitization. .
