Based on the most up-to-date research available, preventing atopic dermatitis is a complex and challenging task due to the multiple contributing factors that cause this disease. While there is no singular approach to preventing AD, methods of prevention have focused on improving the skin barrier, reducing exposure to allergens, altering the development of the immune system, and altering the microbiome through use of probiotic supplements.
Research into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention has been ongoing, with primary prevention being the most crucial area of inquiry. Identifying risk factors and biomarkers that accurately predict who is most likely to be diagnosed with AD may help in prevention efforts. Researchers have explored various methods of primary prevention, including improving the skin barrier using emollients and moisturizers, altering dietary intake, limiting or altering the environment, and changing the microbiome using probiotics.
Of these methods, emollient therapy has shown the most promise in preventing AD in high-risk infants. Daily application of emollients has been shown to reduce the incidence of AD at six months, with 50% reduced risk. However, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have yielded mixed results, with some studies suggesting that emollients may delay rather than prevent the onset of AD. Other studies have found possible risks associated with the use of some moisturizers, such as an increase in food allergies.
Future research efforts will continue to explore methods of primary prevention and identify biomarkers that can more accurately predict who is most at risk for developing AD. Ultimately, preventing AD remains elusive, but continued research may one day lead to improved prevention efforts and ultimately, better outcomes for those affected by this disease.
