Updated map of the moisturiser landscape for atopic dermatitis in south africa

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition associated with a dysfunctional skin barrier that is associated with increased trans-epidermal moisture loss and a reduced water-binding capacity. Daily moisturiser use is recommended as a cornerstone treatment of atopic dermatitis across the disease severity spectrum. Successful moisturiser therapy is what the patient or caregiver will use daily but there are considerable differences in patient preference. New products appear regularly and their costs range widely, making it difficult for healthcare practitioners and patients to understand and compare the available products. In 2018, to address this need, we developed the first edition of the South African Moisturiser Prescriber, which was well received. The aim of this study was to update this prescriber and again survey the landscape of leave-on moisturisers marketed for use by persons with atopic dermatitis. We intended to provide a reliable, easy-to-use resource for atopic dermatitis patients and their providers. We used a similar methodology as in 2018 and, in addition, had support from the Allergy Foundation of South Africa. Seventy-eight products were included to create the second edition of the South African moisturiser prescriber. Median (range) cost per gram was R0.60 (R0.08-R5.37) and the total number of ingredients was 13 (1-36).