Combination therapy improves the recovery of the skin barrier function: an experimental model using a contact allergy patch test combined with TEWL measurements.
BACKGROUND
Nickel (Ni) allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) alters the skin barrier.


OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to compare the efficacy of combination therapies on ACD, using a topical corticosteroid and a corneotherapy agent (barrier cream), with that of a single therapy with corticosteroids.


METHODS
On day 1, 3 Ni test patches were applied on each forearm of 14 Ni-patch-test-positive females. Four contained 5% Ni and 2 physiological saline. Either topical corticosteroid or barrier cream were matched with the combination of both products on 3 of the 4 Ni ACD. The fourth was not treated. Clinical scoring, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) capacitance were measured before (day 1) and after (days 4-8) ACD.


RESULTS
The combination therapy showed a significant decrease in TEWL values and an increase in SC capacitance.


CONCLUSIONS
Combining a topical corticosteroid with corneotherapy agents prevents the delay in the healing process of skin barrier disruption due to ACD.
Hachem
J P
JP
Department of Dermatology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. jphachem@belcast.be
De Paepe
K
K
Vanpée
E
E
Kaufman
L
L
Rogiers
V
V
Roseeuw
D
D
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000481:Allantoin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005542:Forearm; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006582:Hexachlorophene / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000379:methods; D013185:Squalene / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible
D000485:Allergens; D000730:Androstadienes; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; C058062:allantoin, hexachlorophene, squalene drug combination; D000481:Allantoin; D009532:Nickel; D013185:Squalene; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006582:Hexachlorophene