A cream containing linoleic acid, 5% dexpanthenol and ceramide in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, moisturizers contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents that help for treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Defensil® (black currant seed oil, sunflower oil, and balloon vine), a new anti-inflammatory, obtained from plant extracts, remain had a few studies for AD.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of moisturizer containing 3% Defensil®, 5% dexpanthenol and ceramide (LDC) with 5% urea cream in childhood AD treatment.

METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with diagnosis of atopic dermatitis by UK working party's criteria were recruited in randomized, controlled, double-blinded 4-week study. The patients were received with twice-daily application of LDC cream on one side of the body and 5% urea cream on the opposite side. The clinical severity was assessed by modified scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). Median time to remission was analyzed by survival analysis.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven out of 38 patients accomplished the protocol. The clinical SCORAD significantly improved from baseline in both groups (p < 0.001) after 2 and 4 weeks. Furthermore, the LDC group significantly reduced severity of disease better than the 5% urea group (P = 0.043). The mean difference SCORAD scores were -13.83 (±1.83) and -13.04 (±3.22) respectively. Stratum corneum hydration (SCH) was enhanced from baseline in both groups (p < 0.001) but no statistically significant difference between both groups. Median time to remission had no statistically significant difference (P = 0.697).

CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of LDC cream is better than 5% urea cream for improving clinical atopic dermatitis. It was suggested that moisturizer containing LDC could be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate childhood atopic dermatitis.