Effects of a moisturizer on uremic xerosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Purpose: Xerosis and pruritus are common dermatological complications in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of moisturizers in this population remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of a topical moisturizer on uremic xerosis and skin hydration in patients undergoing hemodialysis.Methods: We enrolled 21 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis who had skin dryness and itching; 20 completed the 4-week intervention and were included in the analysis. The participants applied a moisturizer containing ceramide NP, a ceramide composed of non-hydroxy fatty acids (N) and phytosphingosine (P), twice daily to the abdomen and right shin for 4 weeks. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index, and melanin index were measured along with clinical assessments, including modified Eczema Area and Severity Index (mEASI) and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), and patient-reported satisfaction.Results: Skin hydration increased significantly at weeks 2 and 4 at both sites compared to baseline (all P< 0.0001), whereas TEWL did not change significantly at either site. The mEASI score in the abdomen decreased significantly at week 4 (P= 0.012). Although IGA improvement was more frequent at week 4, the difference was not statistically significant. Overall, 85% of the patients reported satisfaction with symptom improvement.Conclusion: Regular application of a moisturizer was associated with a preliminary improvement in stratum corneum hydration and xerosis-related symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis, suggesting its potential role as a practical skin care intervention.