Ann Dermatol.  2000 Dec;12(4):238-242. 10.5021/ad.2000.12.4.238.

Influence of Gamma linoleic acid (Epogam) on the Skin Surface Conditions of Atopic Dermatitis

• Lee HS
• Park KC
• Kim KH

• KMID: 2163991
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2000.12.4.238

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Gamma linoleic acid (GLA, Epogam) is considered a safe and effective modality in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in which impaired function of the enzyme, delta-6-desaturase, has been reported to result in reduced levels of GLA, desaturated fatty acids.
OBJECTIVE
We performed this study to observe the changes of skin surface conditions measured objectively by bioengineering methods in relation to clinical improvement after treatment with GLA (Epogam®) in children with AD.
METHODS
Thirty-four children with AD were treated with GLA (Epogam®) and evaluated with clinical parameters.The changes of skin surface conditions were monitored by non-invasive experimental instruments.
RESULTS
There was a significant decrease of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and gradual improvements in clinical severity after 12 weeks of GLA (Epogam®) treatment. The change of skin surface pH was statistically significant on the antecubital fossa and abdomen except the popliteal fossa. The other parameters including skin surface hydration and skin surface lipid did not show consistent changes.
CONCLUSION
Clinical improvement of AD with GLA (Epogam) seemed to be achieved by the reduction of TEWL.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; GLA (Epogam®); Transepidermal water loss

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Bioengineering
Child
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Fatty Acids
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Linoleic Acid*
Linoleoyl-CoA Desaturase
Skin*
Water
Fatty Acids
Linoleic Acid
Linoleoyl-CoA Desaturase
Water