Managing dry skin in patients with comorbidities or with advanced age: unmet needs and roles for products containing potential emollient-plus ingredients

Abstract

In dry skin (DS), skin-barrier function is easily disturbed and moisturizing factors in the stratum corneum are reduced. Despite being a common condition, DS is often overlooked in patients with advanced age or comorbid diseases. In September 2022, specialists in dermatology and skin care met to discuss unmet needs and management of patients with DS with existing medical conditions or DS induced by ongoing pharmacological treatments. There was consensus about the need to improve the current understanding and management of DS in patients with comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, radiodermatitis, and photodamaged skin. Clinical guidance related to optimal treatment of DS in patients with advanced age or comorbid diseases is needed. Dexpanthenol-containing emollients have been shown to provide rapid relief from the symptoms and clinical signs of skin inflammation and are well-tolerated and effective in terms of moisturizing and soothing DS and maintaining skin-barrier function. Thus, dexpanthenol-containing emollients may play an important role in future management of DS. Further research is needed to elucidate the efficacy of dexpanthenol across the spectrum of DS, irrespective of comorbidity status or age.

Keywords:

• Dry skin
• xerosis
• dermatitis
• comorbidities
• dexpanthenol

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Bayer Consumer Care AG for supporting and funding the advisory board that led to the development of this publication. Medical writing support, including assisting authors with the development of the outline and initial draft and incorporation of comments, was provided by Thomas Carvell, MSc, and editorial, formatting, proofreading, and submission support was provided by Melissa Ward, BA, both of Scion (a division of Prime, London, UK), supported by Bayer Consumer Care AG, Germany, according to Good Publication Practice guidelines (Link). The sponsor was involved in the interpretation of information provided in the manuscript. However, ultimate responsibility for opinions, conclusions, and data interpretation lies with the authors.

Author contributions

All authors were involved in the conception and design, or analysis and interpretation of the data; the drafting of the paper; revising it critically for intellectual content; and the final approval of the version to be published. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure statement

EP has received funding from Bayer Consumer Care AG. MA has served as a consultant, lecturer, researcher, and/or has received research grants from AbbVie, Almirall, Bayer Consumer Care AG, Beiersdorf, Galderma, Heliocare, and LEO Pharma. UBP has served as an advisor, consultant, and lecturer for AbbVie, Boots Healthcare, CeraVe, Dermocosmétique Vichy, Galderma Laboratorium GmbH, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Sanofi Regeneron, and has been involved in clinical studies for Amryt, Bayer, Cassiopeia, Concert Pharmaceuticals/Sun Pharma, Pierre Fabre, Novartis, Legacy, LEO Pharma, and Mayne Pharma. EB, UB-P, PE, and DS have all received funding from Bayer Consumer Care AG. EP, MA, EB, UB-P, PE, and DS have all participated in specialist panels organized by Bayer Consumer Care AG. DS is an investigator of a Bayer-sponsored clinical trial investigating Bepanthen. LCS has no disclosures to declare.

Additional information

Funding

Bayer Consumer Care AG organized and funded the specialist panel meeting and development of this manuscript.