[Cutaneous hydration and atopia].

Altered barrier function of atopic skin is characterized by xerosis, which predominantly affects non-inflammatory areas. Xerosis is accompanied by morphological, physical and biochemical modifications. The composition of epidermal lipids in atopic patients is modified both qualitatively and quantitatively. The impact of xerosis and abnormal barrier function in such patients is on different levels: --via excessive permeability to allergens and atopens, --but also via constant staphylococcal colonization of the atopic skin. The role of moisturizing treatments in restoring the barrier function in such patients is an important therapeutic aim. Clinical assessment of the effect of moisturizing topicals relies on objective means (SCORAD index) but also on avoiding corticosteroids or the impact of these moisturizers on patients'quality of life.