Topical steroids under wet-wrap dressings in atopic dermatitis--a vehicle-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The wet-wrap dressing technique has proved to be beneficial in cases of exacerbated atopic dermatitis (AD) skin lesions.


OBJECTIVE
The effect of wet-wrap dressings was investigated in a controlled trial comparing a steroid (mometasone furoate 0.1%)-containing and a steroid-free (vehicle) preparation in an in-patient comparison study.


METHODS
20 children aged 2-17 years with exacerbated AD were treated twice daily with wet-wrap dressings over a 5-day period.


RESULTS
AD in treated areas significantly improved in both study arms; however, the effect was significantly better in the mometasone-treated group (p < 0.01). Transepidermal water loss improved in both arms without any significant differences. Staphylococcus aureus colonization decreased during the first 3 days of active treatment independently of the therapeutic modalities chosen. At day 5, colony counts further dropped on the steroid-treated lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of the wet-wrap dressing technique for exacerbated AD lesions is effective, combination with a topical steroid being superior to a steroid-free application without bearing the risk of a bacterial superinfection.
Schnopp
Christina
C
Department of Dermatology and Allergy am Biederstein, Technical University of Munich, Germany. nina.schnopp@lrz-tu-muenchen.de
Holtmann
Christiane
C
Stock
Sybille
S
Remling
Roland
R
Fölster-Holst
Regina
R
Ring
Johannes
J
Abeck
Dietrich
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001458:Bandages; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate; D011244:Pregnadienediols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011244:Pregnadienediols; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate