Ann Dermatol.  2003 Dec;15(4):133-138. 10.5021/ad.2003.15.4.133.

The Clinical Efficacy of a Multi-Lamellar Emulsion Containing Pseudoceramide in Childhood Atopic Dermatitis: An Open Crossover Study

• Lee EJ
• Suhr KB
• Lee JH
• Park JK
• Jin CY
• Youm JK
• Park BD

• KMID: 2171840
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2003.15.4.133

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The abnormal barrier function in atopic dermatitis(AD) is caused by a reduction in the amounts of ceramides in the intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum(SC). Replenishing the SC via the topical application of ceramides and pseudoceramides leads to effective recovery of the barrier function of skin. OBJECTIVES: An open clinical crossover evaluation was conducted to investigate the effects in AD of a multi-lamellar emulsion(MLE) that contained pseudoceramide(PC-9s). METHODS: The study group included 30 AD patiendaverage age: 4.4 yr, range: 1-8 yr), who applied MLE or a commercial moisturizing cream(CMC, 5% urea) alternately for four weeks each. We divided the subjects into two subgroups and started with different treatments in each subgroup. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the average subjective satisfaction scores for each symptom and the global clinical response. In addition, the SCORAD(Scoring AD) index was adopted to evaluate the severity of AD as objectively as possible. The patients were evaluated using this index every other week. RESULTS: Although the SCORAD improved in both subgroups, the patients had better results (p<0.05) when applying MLE(31-35% decrease) than CMC(13% increase to 14% decrease). The subjective satisfaction scores of the symptoms and signs of patients, including itching, erythema, and dry skin, were higher in the MLE group than in the CMC group, and the global response to treatment was also better in the MLE group. During the follow-up period, AD improved in all patients. MLE was more effective than CMC in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The topical application of a multi-lamellar emulsion containing pseudoceramide is an effective regimen for improving symptoms of AD.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; Multi-lamellar emulsion containing pseudoceramide

MeSH Terms

Ceramides
Cross-Over Studies*
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Erythema
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Pruritus
Skin
Treatment Outcome
Ceramides