A sticky mess-Are moisturizers overused in dermatitis care?

Abstract

Microbial dysbiosis is increasingly understood to influence allergic sensitization and skin barrier defects in dermatitis. Occlusion, such as from moisturizers, fosters microbial dysbiosis, and increases itch in many patients with dermatitis. Nevertheless, use of moisturizers in dermatitis remains part of dermatologic guidelines. This is a review of the evidence of benefits and adverse effects of moisturizers in dermatitis and a proposal for moderation in their clinical use.