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OTC hand cream alleviates eczema
An over-the-counter moisturizing hand cream safely and effectively improved eczema symptoms and lesions, according to research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.
“Hand eczema is a prevalent dermatitis affecting approximately 10% of adults annually,” Teresa Weber, PhD, from Beiersdorf Inc., told Healio Internal Medicine. “Onset of hand eczema is often triggered by occupational hazards that expose hands to harsh, drying conditions and increase skin surface alkalization.”
Weber and colleagues conducted a clinical trial to examine the efficacy and tolerability of an OTC therapeutic hand cream for eczema, containing active colloidal oatmeal (1%), ceramide-3, antioxidant licochalcone A and other critical ingredients in a pH 4.5 vehicle base.
The researchers enrolled 30 adults aged between 24 and 44.5 years with clinically diagnosed moderate hand eczema and dermatitis. Over the 4-week study period, the participants used the moisturizing eczema hand cream in the morning, evening and after hand washing. Participants did not simultaneously use medication.
Daily application of the hand cream resulted in significant improvements in the Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index (ADSI) sum score and significant reductions in redness, lichenification, pruritus and excoriation of lesions at weeks 1, 2 and 4, compared with baseline. There were also significant improvements in stratum corneum water content of target lesions and in the nonlesional area.
Significant improvements in transepidermal water loss and skin hydration were observed, indicating that target lesion skin barrier properties were repaired. Burning, stinging and tingling scores significantly improved with use of the moisturizing eczema hand cream. Participant responses about hand eczema as a source of embarrassment, diminishing confidence, and causing itchiness were significantly improved at the end of the study.
“This 4-week study validated the use of a clinically confirmed OTC hand eczema formulation as a cornerstone in the treatment and management of hand eczema,” Weber said. – by Alaina Tedesco
Reference:
Weber TM, et al. “Efficacy of an OTC therapeutic moisturizing hand cream specifically formulated to help manage eczema symptoms.” Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. February 16-20, 2018; San Diego.
Disclosure: The authors report funding from Beiersdorf, Inc.