Comparative effects of pimecrolimus cream vehicle and three commercially available moisturizers on skin hydration and transepidermal water loss.
BACKGROUND
Hydration and integrity of the horny layer is essential to normal skin function.


OBJECTIVE
Comparison of the hydrating properties of three moisturizers with pimecrolimus cream vehicle.


METHODS
Four test preparations (high-quality skin cream, cold cream emulsion, emollient oil, pimecrolimus cream vehicle) were applied to four different regions of the forearms and legs. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was assessed by evaporimetry at baseline, and 3 and 6 hours after arm application, and electrical capacitance was assessed by corneometry at baseline, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 hours after leg application.


RESULTS
Corneometry assessment - in terms of efficacy in moisturizing the skin, test preparations were ranked (best to worst): high-quality skin cream (45.9 arbitrary units versus 75.3; p < 0.001) > pimecrolimus vehicle cream (46.6 versus 61.5; p < 0.001) > emollient oil (43.5 versus 54.8; p = 0.006) > cold cream emulsion (44.8 versus 49.9; p = 0.738). Untreated skin (control) had a mean capacitance of 44.8 units at baseline and 48.5 units at endpoint. Evaporimetry (assessment of TEWL) revealed no significant differences between control and any test preparation at any timepoint.


CONCLUSIONS
Pimecrolimus cream vehicle has skin hydration properties comparable with highly effective commercially available products. No test preparation had a significant effect on TEWL.
Vergnanini
André L
AL
Department of Dermatology, UNICAMP Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Aoki
Valeria
V
Takaoka
Roberto
R
Madi
Julio
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007057:Ichthyosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D011336:Probability; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004643:Emollients; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D014867:Water; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus