Skin diseases associated with dry skin are often accompanied by pruritus. In atopic dermatitis intense itching is a major symptom and it is also one of the worst aspects of eczema (Independent Community Pharmacist, 1999).

Emollient therapy can improve the patient and carer’s quality of life. Sleep disruption is known to be common in pre-school children. In a preliminary survey, parents confirmed clinical impressions that sleep loss is a common feature when a child's atopic eczema is flaring. Sleep disturbance was reported by parents for 86% of the nights with an average of 2.7 wakings per night and an average parental sleep loss of 2.6 hours per night. For the majority of children (59%), sleep disruption is limited to times when their AE is flaring (Reid, P. et al. 1995).

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle

• Intense itching is a major symptom in atopic dermatitis
• Itch is one of the worst aspects of eczema
• Itch = sleep disruption