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Emollients for prevention of atopic dermatitis: 5-year findings from the BEEP randomized trial

  • Lucy E. Bradshaw
  • , Laura A. Wyatt
  • , Sara J. Brown
  • , Rachel H. Haines
  • , Alan A. Montgomery
  • , Michael R. Perkin
  • , Sandra Lawton
  • , Tracey H. Sach
  • , Joanne R. Chalmers
  • , Matthew J. Ridd
  • , Carsten Flohr
  • , Joanne Brooks
  • , Richard Swinden
  • , Eleanor J. Mitchell
  • , Stella Tarr
  • , Nicola Jay
  • , Kim S. Thomas
  • , Hilary Allen
  • , Michael J. Cork
  • , Maeve M. Kelleher
  • Eric L. Simpson, Stella T. Lartey, Susan Davies-Jones, Robert J. Boyle, Hywel C. Williams (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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    Abstract

    Background: The effectiveness of emollients for preventing atopic dermatitis/eczema is controversial. The Barrier Enhancement for Eczema Prevention trial evaluated the effects of daily emollients during the first year of life on atopic dermatitis and atopic conditions to age 5 years.

    Methods: 1394 term infants with a family history of atopic disease were randomized (1:1) to daily emollient plus standard skin-care advice (693 emollient group) or standard skin-care advice alone (701 controls). Long-term follow-up at ages 3, 4 and 5 years was via parental questionnaires. Main outcomes were parental report of a clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and food allergy.

    Results: Parents reported more frequent moisturizer application in the emollient group through to 5 years. A clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis between 12 and 60 months was reported for 188/608 (31%) in the emollient group and 178/631 (28%) in the control group (adjusted relative risk 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.30). Although more parents in the emollient group reported food reactions in the previous year at 3 and 4 years, cumulative incidence of doctor-diagnosed food allergy by 5 years was similar between groups (92/609 [15%] emollients and 87/632 [14%] controls, adjusted relative risk 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.45). Findings were similar for cumulative incidence of asthma and hay fever.

    Conclusions: Daily emollient application during the first year of life does not prevent atopic dermatitis, food allergy, asthma or hay fever.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)995-1006
    Number of pages12
    JournalAllergy
    Volume78
    Issue number4
    Early online date19 Oct 2022
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023

    Keywords

    • asthma
    • atopic dermatitis
    • food allergy
    • prevention
    • rhinitis

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