Frequent Versus Infrequent Bathing in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2020
Institution/Department
Pediatrics; Maine Medical Center Research Institute
Journal Title
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract
MeSH Headings
Child, Humans, Dermatitis, Atopic, Eczema, Baths, Self Care
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating bathing frequency in pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited. Parents of children with AD often receive conflicting information, leading to frustration and confusion.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of twice-daily soaking baths, followed by immediate application of an occlusive moisturizer (ie, soak-and-seal [SS]), versus twice-weekly SS baths, in the acute management of pediatric AD.
METHODS: We conducted a randomized, single-blind, crossover-controlled trial comparing frequent versus infrequent SS baths, in children 6 months to 11 years of age with moderate-to-severe AD. Children were randomized 1:1 into 2 groups: group 1 underwent twice-weekly SS baths, for 10 minutes or less, over 2 weeks ("dry method" [DM]) followed by twice-daily SS baths, for 15 to 20 minutes, over 2 weeks ("wet method" [WM]). Group 2 did the inverse. Patients received the same moisturizer, cleanser, and low-potency topical corticosteroid (TCS). Primary outcome was AD severity evaluated using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Caregiver assessment of AD severity (Atopic Dermatitis Quickscore [ADQ]), quality of life, Staphylococcal aureus colonization, skin hydration, moisturizer, and TCS usage were assessed.
RESULTS: Of the 63 children screened, 42 fulfilled inclusion criteria and were randomized. Forty (95%) completed the study. WM decreased SCORAD by 21.2 compared with DM (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.9-27.6; P < .0001). Secondary analysis showed a greater than 30% SCORAD improvement for WM versus DM (McNemar's χ
CONCLUSIONS: As an acute treatment intervention, WM is superior to DM at improving disease severity in moderate-to-severe pediatric AD.
ISSN
2213-2201
First Page
1014
Last Page
1021
Recommended Citation
Cardona, Ivan D; Kempe, Erin E; Lary, Christine; Ginder, Julia H; and Jain, Neal, "Frequent Versus Infrequent Bathing in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial." (2020). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 1710.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/1710