DERMATITE ATÓPICA INFANTIL E A IMPORTÂNCIA DA HIDRATAÇÃO CUTÂNEA: UMA REVISÃO NARRATIVA

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disease that mainly affects children, characterized by intense pruritus, specific barrier dysfunction, and predisposition to secondary infections. Considering the significant impact on children’s quality of life, this study aimed to analyze, through a narrative review of the literature, the efficacy of theoretical hydration as a therapeutic strategy in restoring the epidermal barrier and controlling AD symptoms in children aged 0 to 12 years. The research was conducted between January and March 2025, using the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, with free access filters and publications between 2020 and 2025. Twenty articles were selected based on previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that the continuous use of emollients containing active ingredients such as ceramides, urea, glycerin, dexpanthenol and essential fatty acids promotes the reduction of transepidermal water loss, modulates the specific microbiota, restores the barrier function and reduces thickness, resulting in lower frequency and intensity of attacks. In addition, we recommend that adherence to the daily use of moisturizers and adequate guidance from caregivers are crucial factors for therapeutic success. It is concluded that skin hydration constitutes a central axis in the management of childhood atopic dermatitis, being a low-cost, safe, effective and fundamental intervention for the prevention of exacerbations, especially when integrated with health education and evidence-based clinical practice.