Moisturizing Techniques for Eczema

Overseen By Wingfield Rehmus, MD, MPH

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Must not be taking: Topical corticosteroids

Disqualifiers: Allergy to Cerave, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 2 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine the best time to apply moisturizer for people with eczema—either while still in the shower or bath, or after drying off with a towel. Researchers seek to understand which method participants prefer and how each affects skin condition and itchiness. Participants will try both methods for a month each and share their experiences through questionnaires. Teens aged 12-18 with eczema who can bathe independently may be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, participants can provide valuable insights that may enhance daily skincare routines for those with eczema.

What prior data suggests that these moisturizing techniques are safe for adolescents with eczema?

Research has shown that using moisturizers for eczema is generally safe. Studies have found that the timing of moisturizer application in the shower or bath can affect skin hydration. However, no major safety concerns have been identified with this method.

Applying moisturizer after towel drying significantly improves skin hydration. Research has not reported any specific safety issues with this approach.

Both methods are considered safe for managing eczema. Some individuals might be sensitive to certain moisturizers. If discomfort occurs, switching to a different type of moisturizer is advisable. Overall, both methods are well-tolerated and can be part of regular skincare for those with eczema. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores different moisturizing techniques for managing eczema, which could reveal new insights into skincare routines. Unlike standard treatments that often focus on medicated creams and ointments, this trial compares the effectiveness of moisturizing while still in the shower or bath versus moisturizing after towel drying. This could lead to simpler, more effective daily routines for eczema sufferers. By understanding how timing and technique impact skin hydration, researchers hope to improve eczema management in ways that are easy to adopt and maintain in everyday life.

What evidence suggests that these moisturizing techniques could be effective for eczema?

Research has shown that using moisturizer after drying off with a towel can greatly improve skin hydration. One study found that it increased skin moisture by over 200% compared to before application, with effects lasting up to three hours. In this trial, participants will either moisturize after towel drying or while still in the shower or bath. Moisturizing while still in the shower or bath also offers benefits. Studies suggest it can maintain skin moisture and help reduce eczema flare-ups when used daily. Both methods enhance skin health by boosting hydration and reducing water loss. These findings support their potential effectiveness in managing eczema symptoms. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adolescents aged 12-18 with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Participants will try two different moisturizing techniques: while in the shower/bath and after towel drying, to see which they prefer and how it affects their skin.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or eczema.

I can bathe myself without help.

I am between 12 and 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have used topical corticosteroids on my arms for the last month.

Participants who have a known allergy to the moisturizer cream (Cerave Moisturizing Cream) provided

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants apply moisturizer while showering/bathing for one month and after towel drying for one month

2 months

Monthly visits for assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Moisturizing after towel drying
• Moisturizing while in shower/bath

Trial Overview The study compares the effects of applying moisturizer during a shower/bath versus after towel drying on eczema severity, itchiness, and skin hydration levels. It involves using a Corneometer® CM825 device to measure skin moisture.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Moisturizing while in shower/bath Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Moisturizing after towel drying Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

L'Oreal

Industry Sponsor

Trials

22

Recruited

11,100+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2762386/

Quantitative assessment of combination bathing and/or ... In atopic dermatitis subjects, emollient alone yielded a significantly (p<0.05) greater mean hydration over 90 min (206.2% baseline hydration) than bathing with ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12672192/

Effectiveness of emulsion bathing in adult patients with ... Our previous study also found that moisturization after bathing significantly increased SCH and decreased TEWL levels, maintaining skin hydration for 180 ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001731024009931

[Translated article] Recommendations on the Use of ... It is recommended to use emollients with completely dry skin, after drying with a towel. 4.5, It is not necessary to apply emollients to visibly healthy skin ...

4. jaci-inpractice.org jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198(14)00180-9/fulltext

Wet Wrap Therapy in Children with Moderate to Severe ... The primary outcome was improvement in AD severity as measured by SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis). Demographics; clinical management of AD, including use of ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/358623433_Comparison_of_skin_hydration_degrees_based_on_moisturizing_time_in_children's_atopic_dermatitis

(PDF) Comparison of skin hydration degrees based on ... This study aimed to compare the degree of skin hydration based on moisturizing time in children with AD, immediately after bathing and 30 minutes after bathing.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1555415521002762

Daily Moisturization for Atopic Dermatitis Objective tests of skin barrier function in these studies revealed that moisturization (typically twice daily) significantly improved the skin barrier, ...

7. jaad.org jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)02603-3/fulltext

A sticky mess—Are moisturizers overused in dermatitis care? Moisturizers should not be recommended to patients with dermatitis who report intolerance of moisturizers, should be applied no more than once ...

8. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/dth/3695790

Effects of Water Bathing on Atopic Dermatitis Are ... Yet, studies have demonstrated that water bathing alone or in combination with topical emollient are safe and effective in the management of AD.

9. everydayhealth.com everydayhealth.com/skin-conditions/study-shows-people-with-eczema-can-bathe-as-often-as-they-want/

Study Shows People With Eczema Can Bathe as Often as ... A recent four-week study found eczema symptoms were no worse for people who bathed daily versus those who bathed once or twice a week.