Moisturizers for patients with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with epidermal barrier defects which leads to dry skin that is easily disturbed by external exacerbating factors. It is now well established that moisturizers play an important role in preventing skin inflammation in AD, including reducing the amount of topical corticosteroid use. Thus, the use of moisturizers is currently recognized as one of standard treatment for AD. This review summarizes the role and classification of moisturizers. We also review some ingredients that are commonly added in moisturizers which are claimed to have an anti-inflammatory effects in AD.