Greasing the Tub and Skin

For atopic dermatitis, it is probably more effective to rub on skin emollients than to soak in them.

Dry skin is rough and scaly. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is rough and scaly, too, as a consequence of dermatitis and, often, coexisting ichthyosis vulgaris. Patients like to smooth the skin by adding emollients to tub baths. Although this strategy efficiently coats skin with oils, does it really do any good, or is it simply cosmetic?

A BMJ group that renders an “independent review of medical treatment” isn’t sure. They conclude that the data are insufficient to assess the efficacy of bath emollients; randomized, controlled clinical trials of bath oils for AD are nearly nonexistent (the results of 1 published, nonrandomized trial suggest that regular emollient use might decrease the amount of topical corticosteroids needed to treat atopic skin). A…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)