Infant Skin Barrier Protection: Clinical Evidence for Nutritional Intervention in Atopic Dermatitis Prevention
Cat3B: 1 point | 
60 minutes | 
23 Jan 2027
Overview
About this course
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition characterised by intense itching and dry skin that is commonly present during early infancy and childhood. Approximately 20% of children in Singapore are reported to have this condition.
The main causes of atopic dermatitis in infants are believed to be a combination of genes and environmental triggers. Infant skin is thinner and more permeable, with immature skin barrier that can lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a sensitive indicator of barrier integrity. Barrier disruption triggers an itch–scratch cycle, predisposing infants to atopic dermatitis and allergic sensitisation. Randomised clinical data show partially hydrolysed whey-based formulas can help reduce TEWL in infants with familial allergy history.
This e-learning educational module provides healthcare professionals with an overview of the skin barrier’s function and its critical role in infant health and atopic dermatitis prevention, as well as evidence-based nutritional strategies to support skin barrier maturation during the first year of life to reduce atopic dermatitis risk in susceptible infants.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning module, participants should be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of the infant skin barrier and its key differences from adult skin
- Explain the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis and the significance of TEWL as a marker
- Summarise the clinical evidence linking early skin barrier dysfunction to increased risk of atopic dermatitis and allergic sensitisation
- Outline methods to assess TEWL and the obstacles to accurate measurement in infants
- Evaluate the role of nutritional interventions, especially partially hydrolysed whey-based formulas, in supporting skin barrier function and reducing atopic risk in high-risk infants
- Compare different hydrolysate formulas in terms of peptide profiles and allergenicity
Topics covered:
- Structure and function of the infant skin barrier and its key differences from adult skin
- Pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis
- Significance of TEWL and its impact on the development of atopic dermatitis
- Methods to assess TEWL and the obstacles to accurate measurement in infants
- Clinical evidence to demonstrate the correlation between atopic dermatitis and TEWL
- Latest clinical evidence on partially hydrolysed whey to support the skin barrier and reduce atopic risk in infants
- Comparison of various hydrolysate formulas
CAT3B: 1 Point Available
- Score at least 80% on the quiz.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion of the quiz. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CPD points.
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