Does twice daily application of a ceramide dominant cream (EpiCeram) for the first six months of life reduce the incidence of eczema by six months of age, when compared to standard skin care, in infants who have a family history of allergic disease

In this pilot study (80 infants), we assessed if the application of a specific cream (EpiCeram™) to the skin of new-born infant’s twice-daily for six months, would help build up skin barrier function and reduce the risk that these children would develop eczema and allergic sensitisation to foods. Our results revealed a trend towards a reduced risk of eczema and food sensitisation in infants from the ‘cream’ group at 12 months of age, particularly if it was used from within the first two weeks of life, and applied regularly. This was the first time that possible beneficial effects of this type of treatment beyond the treatment period have been demonstrated