Evaluation of changes in skin sebum and moisture content with treatment in children with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Aims: Since the deterioration of the skin barrier plays a role in the development of atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to investigate the moisture and sebum content of the skin. In this context, our study aimed to evaluate the change of skin sebum and moisture content with treatment in children with atopic dermatitis. Methods: This study is a cohort study. Patients aged 0-18 years, diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, and those who did not have any accompanying skin disease were included. Skin moisture and sebum levels were measured with a portable pen-shaped LCD Display Digital Skin Moist Oil Analyzer (Reyoung-Beauty, Guangdong, China) digital skin moisture and sebum measurement device from the cubital fossa before and 1 month after the treatment. Skin sebum and moisture were obtained as percentages. Results: The median values of skin moisture and sebum content before treatment in 55 atopic dermatitis patients were 30.0 % (10.0-55.0) and 24.0% (16.0-49.0), respectively. The percentages of skin moisture and sebum content after treatment were 38.0 % (15.0-60.0) and 28.0 % (18.0-50.0), respectively. In atopic dermatitis patients, the increase in skin moisture and sebum percentages was statistically significant for both (p<0.001 and p=0.022, respectively) Conclusion: Skin moisture and skin sebum contents improved significantly with treatment in children with atopic dermatitis. This situation highlights the importance of adherence to treatment and continuity of selected treatments in patients.