Study of the effect of using a foam form with ceramides and a cholesterol-phytosterol complex in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background. In developed countries more than 20% of children have atopic dermatitis (AD). Clinical guidelines unite in the recommendation to use moisturizers/emollients as therapy mainstay. Deeper understanding of AD pathogenesis stimulates development of new, therapeutic moisturizers. To such moisturizers belong ceramide-containing moisturizers, in particular foam for moisturizing and nourishing dry sensitive skin with ceramides and a cholesterol-phytosterol complex. Aim. To study effects of foam for moisturizing and nourishing dry sensitive skin with ceramides and a cholesterol-phytosterol complex on the course mild to moderate severity AD. Materials and methods. In this prospective cohort study 30 children 3 to 17 years of age with mild to moderate severity AD were enrolled. They applied moisturizing foam skin lesion, surrounding skin and dry skin areas for 4 weeks. For all participants severity of AD was scored with SOCARD, EASI, IGA, skin pH, moisture and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured and severity of itching and xerosis was elicited with visual analogue scale. Results. Severity of AD in children who applied foam decreased on 22.8 score points with SCORAD, and on 3.1 points with EASI (for both indices p0.001). Skin moisture during treatment period increased (23.5% to baseline; p0.001), and TEWL decreased (for 5.45 g/hm2; p0.001); skin pH decreased 0.2 unit to normal values (р=0.002). It was found that skin moisture and TEWL correlate with AD severity so that less severe AD associated with moisture increase and TEWL decrease. As good and excellent rated foam smell 100% (95% CI 88.4100%) respondents, consistence 90% (95% CI 73.598.0%), and ease of use 97% (95% CI 82.899.9%) respondents. Conclusion. Moisturizing foam with ceramides and a cholesterol-phytosterol complex might be used in AD therapy.