Pilot study of patient satisfaction with nonfluorinated topical steroids compared with a topical immunomodulator in atopiform dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
There is clinical uncertainty concerning the effectiveness of the new topical immunomodulators vs. the conventional use of topical steroids for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.


OBJECTIVE
To assess patient satisfaction with these two prescription topical remedies for atopic eczema.


METHODS
In an open-label, 2-week, comparative study, 10 patients demonstrating atopiform dermatitis were given tacrolimus and 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate in a 70% oil-in-water base to apply to the eczema on opposite sides of the body. After 2 weeks of applying the agents twice daily to their respective sides of the body surface, the study subjects completed a 12-question survey to assess their opinions of the two products.


RESULTS
There was a preference for the nonfluorinated topical steroid over tacrolimus in this cursory head-to-head study. There were no withdrawals from the study or side-effects reported with either product.


CONCLUSIONS
Trials of short duration with small numbers of patients do not adequately inform practitioners regarding the use of these topical remedies. However, the higher satisfaction of patients with 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate in a 70% oil-in-water base over tacrolimus certainly warrants further investigation.
Department of Internal Medicine, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.
Craig N
CN
Burkhart
Craig G
CG
Burkhart
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D016559:Tacrolimus