Environmental Exposures, Skin Barrier Care Take Focus in Pediatric AD Consensus
Key Takeaways
- A 7-member pediatric dermatology expert panel used a modified Delphi process to evaluate how environmental factors may influence atopic dermatitis (AD) development and severity in young children.
- The consensus emphasized reducing environmental exposures that may disrupt skin barrier function and using gentle, non-alkaline cleansers and ceramide-containing moisturizers as barrier-supportive skincare.
- The authors identified clinician education about environmental risk factors and mitigation strategies as an important component of pediatric AD management.
Environmental exposures early in childhood that affect the skin barrier may contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis, and impact its severity, according to a new expert consensus published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
The SAIGE III report examined current evidence surrounding environmental factors in pediatric AD and developed consensus recommendations aimed at limiting skin barrier disruption. Researchers for the report convened a panel of 7 pediatric dermatology experts who used a modified Delphi process consisting of a face-to-face meeting followed by an online assessment.
Environmental Factors and Skin Barrier Care in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
The panel identified environmental factors that may affect skin barrier function and contribute to the development and severity of pediatric AD. Based on its review, the group emphasized minimizing relevant environmental exposures and supporting the skin barrier through appropriate skincare. The consensus specifically highlighted early and continuous use of gentle, non-alkaline cleansers and ceramide-containing moisturizers. The authors said that starting these practices at birth may help mitigate AD risk and severity, particularly among children considered at high risk for the disease.
“Recognizing and addressing environmental factors is an important component of pediatric AD management,” the authors wrote. “Addressing modifiable environmental factors and initiating early barrier-supportive skincare, including ceramide-containing moisturizers, represents a practical approach to reducing disease severity and flare development. These findings highlight the importance of clinician education to improve awareness of environmental risk factors and effective mitigation strategies.”
Source
Schachner L, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2026. Doi:10.36849/JDD.10029