Better compliance in AD skin care with novel emollient stick

An emollient in a stick format is applied more often during the day and, thus, is able to improve pruritus and quality of life [1].

The daily use of skin moisturising creams or emollients along with avoidance of specific and unspecific irritants play a crucial role in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the repeated application of an emollient during the day interferes with the usual daily activities. An emollient in a stick format might facilitate the use and can be applied whenever the skin feels dry during the day. A recent study assessed the use of a stick in addition to an emollient balm and its influence on AD symptoms in 69 patients with mild-to-moderate AD. The stick contained the anti-inflammatory agent madecassoside, shea butter to support the barrier function, and zinc gluconate for its anti-bacterial properties.

All patients had a SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score ≥2 at the screening visit. They were advised to apply an emollient in the evening and the stick on lesional skin during the day as needed. Changes in AD symptoms, pruritus intensity, and influence on quality of life were assessed after 14 days and 28 days and compared with day 0.

The use of this skin regimen lead to a reduction of the SCORAD by -32.4% at day 14 and -47.4% by day 28 (P≤0.001 compared with day 0). Concomitantly, the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) dropped by -44.5% at day 14 and -62.3% at day 28 (P≤0.001 compared with day 0). The improvement of the skin lesions was also noticed in the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA): severity of the disease decreased on average by 27.1% at day 14 and 38.5% at day 28 (P≤0.001 compared with day 0). Itch was reduced by 36.6% at day 14 and by 55.5% at day 28 (see Figure). The quality of life assessed in the Dermatology Life Quality Index improved significantly at both time points compared with day 0 (P≤0.001).

Figure: A significant improvement of pruritus with a -36.6% and -55.4% reduction at day 14 and 28 [1]

* P≤0.001 versus day 0.

The authors conclude that the combination of an emollient balm and stick allowed AD patients to treat their atopic lesions more often and more easily during the day. This simple addition to the usual skin care regimen translated into an improvement of all objective and subjective signs and skin symptoms. In addition, itch was lowered and quality of life increased.

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1. Moyal D. P14186, AAD Virtual Meeting Experience, 12-14 June 2020.

 



Posted on 6 August 20205 August 2021