Emollient Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines

Details

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Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Rapid Review
Project Number:
RC1056-000

Question

  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of emollient treatments for the management of atopic dermatitis?
  2. What is the cost-effectiveness of emollient treatments for management of atopic dermatitis?
  3. What are the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the use of emollient treatments in the management of atopic dermatitis?

Key Message

Two systematic reviews concluded that emollients were beneficial in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, but that there was insufficient evidence to recommend one over another or that they could be used as a stand-alone treatment. There were no conclusions made specific to products that had the Seal of Acceptance from the Eczema Society of Canada. Two evidence-based clinical guidelines emphasized the importance of emollients for the management of atopic dermatitis; however, no recommendations were specific to products with the Seal of Acceptance from the Eczema Society of Canada and it was stated that there was insufficient evidence to recommend one product over another. No evidence of the cost-effectiveness of emollient treatments with the Seal of Acceptance from the Eczema Society of Canada was identified.