title: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and corneometry with hydrogel vehicle in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a randomized, investigator-blind pilot study.
abstract: Disruption of the epidermal barrier, as indicated by a reduction in skin hydration and an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a feature of atopic dermatitis (AD). Novel formulations of dermatologic therapies may enhance patient satisfaction and adherence and may possibly preserve and enhance epidermal barrier function. A single-center, investigator-blinded, randomized, split-body exploratory study was undertaken to assess the hydrating and barrier preserving effects of a water-based hydrogel vehicle. Subjects (n=20) with mild to moderate disease at baseline applied hydrogel vehicle or a moisturizing lotion (Eucerin Lotion®, Beiersdorf, Inc.) in a split-body fashion for two weeks. Corneometry and TEWL measurements were taken at baseline and week 2. Hydrogel vehicle produced a statistically significant improvement in skin hydration from baseline, as compared to a moisturizing lotion control. Hydrogel produced no statistically significant change in TEWL, while comparator lotion increased TEWL. Data from this pilot study indicate that the water-based hydrogel vehicle improves skin hydration and does not further impair epidermal barrier function, suggesting that it is an appropriate vehicle choice for patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. wedoderm@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Leon H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Kircik
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012108:Research Personnel; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004643:Emollients; D020100:Hydrogels