Search

Purpose:A study was conducted with a new topical panthenol-containing emollient (NTP-CE) to investigate the efficacy and safety of a 3-month maintenance treatment in infants and children with stabilized mild atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods:After the stabilization phase (up to 2 months) using a corticosteroid-free topical medical device, 108 subjects (aged 2–49 months) with a SCORing AD (SCORAD) on the target area of <5, were randomized to receive NTP-CE (N = 52) or reference emollient (N = 56) twice-daily for ∼3 months. SCORAD scores, occurrence of flares, and tolerability were assessed at regular intervals. Results:In both groups, local SCORAD decreased during the study with a mean change from baseline (=end of stabilization phase) of −1.2 ± 1.3 (NTP-CE) and −1.0 ± 1.9. Kaplan–Meier analysis provided success rates (i.e. proportion of subjects without flares at study end) of 96 and 77% for the NTP-CE and reference group, respectively (p=.083, log-rank test). Mean time to flare-up was 47 days (range: 29–65) in the NTP CE group and 50 days (6–100). Study products were well tolerated. Conclusions:Our results indicate that NTP-CE is efficacious and safe when used for maintenance treatment of mild childhood AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are key to managing chronic inflammatory dermatoses (CID). Parents/patients cite TCS phobia as an impediment to treatment adherence. Family/friends and the Internet are a source of misinformation on TCS which can negatively impact perceptions of TCS safety. Purpose:To assess information from family/friends and the Internet, as related to and reported by patients/parents using long-term TCS. Methods:A multicenter cross-sectional survey of patients (aged >18 years) and parents of patients (aged <18 years) with a history of CID requiring long-term (≥1 month) TCS use assessing messages about TCS received from family/friends and the Internet. Results:A total of 123 patients and 78 parents completed the survey (n = 201). Parents/patients were more likely to be informed by the Internet “[having] my [child’s] skin condition means that [I/he/she] will need to use topical corticosteroids” (p < .001) and that “inflamed skin conditions will improve with the topical corticosteroids” (p = .007). Family/friends were more likely to recommend parents/patients “try non-prescription creams/ointments before resorting to the use of prescription topical corticosteroids” (p = .014). Conclusions:High rates of messages about TCS “risk” from family/friends and the Internet may affect patient/parent understanding about TCS safety. This may contribute to treatment non-adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibition is a well-known anti-inflammatory mechanism. However, the clinical use of PDE4 inhibitors has been compromised by the occurrence of mechanism-associated adverse reactions, which often limit the maximum tolerated dose. To minimize systemic exposure, a topically active PDE4 inhibitor with low transdermal bioavailability could be clinically useful. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel topical PDE4 inhibitor, E6005, in patients with atopic dermatitis.Methods: This randomized, investigator-blinded, vehicle-controlled, multiple ascending dose study included 40 adult male patients with atopic dermatitis, who were randomly assigned to 10 days of treatment with either E6005 ointment (0.01, 0.03, 0.1 or 0.2%) or vehicle ointment.Results: Of 81 patients screened, 40 who had typical lesions on their posterior trunk were randomized into the study. One patient receiving 0.03% E6005 treatment discontinued because of acute gout and one receiving vehicle treatment discontinued because of progression of atopic dermatitis. The targeted lesion severity scores decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in patients treated with E6005. This drop was significant in the 0.2% E6005 ointment treatment group (mean percent change: −54.30%,p = 0.007).Conclusion: E6005 ointment showed anti-inflammatory efficacy in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative questionnaire-based research has suggested a considerable effect of skin disease on the sexual life of sufferers. In this study, we explored the effects of acne, psoriasis and atopic eczema upon sexual functioning and sexual relationships in the context of a wider exploration of the psychological sequelae of these diseases. We employed a qualitative methodology employing in-depth semi-structured interviews and involving thematic analysis and constant comparison. Participants were patients with currently active acne, psoriasis or atopic eczema. Purposive sampling aimed to obtain a sample reflecting a wide range of participant characteristics including skin disease severity, age, sex, and care by general practitioner or dermatologist. Sixty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted. Acne had adverse effects on participants' self-perceived sexual attractiveness and self-confidence, as did psoriasis and eczema. But psoriasis and eczema also had marked effects on sexual well-being and on capacity for intimacy. These were related to issues of self-esteem and sexual self-image and were often pervasive, resulting in marked behavioural avoidance of intimate situations and continuing effects on sexual well-being even in long-established sexual relationships. Effects of psoriasis and eczema on sexual well-being and sexual relationships were mediated more by appearance and texture of non-genital skin than by involvement of genital skin. We conclude that, while recognising the distressing effects of acne on self-perceived sexual attractiveness, clinicians should be especially aware of the capacity of psoriasis and eczema to profoundly affect patients' psychological and sexual well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]