title: Randomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin lesion in children. Topical corticosteroid is the mainstay of treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing licochalcone A (LicA) and 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of mild to moderate childhood AD.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a multicenter randomized, prospective, split-side, double-blind study in 55 children between the age of three months and 14 years. Patients with AD were treated twice daily, simultaneously with either Lic A or 1% hydrocortisone on opposite sides of the lesion. The SCORAD and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed at the baseline, 2-week, and 4-week visits. Lic A was used on both sides of the body for another four weeks to see the effects and TEWL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a randomized period, both products were equally effective in the treatment. SCORAD decreased significantly from baseline for both treatments throughout the first four weeks (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in SCORAD between both treatments (p = 0.321 and p = 0.146 at week 2 and 4, respectively). Lic A had statistically significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.027 and p = 0.03 at weeks 2 and 4, respectively). One patient had infection on skin lesions of both sides of the body. Forty-three patients continued to the period of using Lic A on both sides of the body. SCORAD and TEWL were comparable to the end of the randomized period and significantly lower from baseline (p < 0.001). Skin lesions flared up in three patients (7.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lic A had a similar result in terms of SCORAD compared to 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of mild and moderate AD. TEWL was significantly lower than baseline on the side that used Lic A. Continuing use of Lic A for four weeks can maintain clinical and barrier improvement.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. siriwanwananukul@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Siriwan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wananukul
authors.forename: Susheera
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chatproedprai
authors.forename: Amornsri
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chunharas
authors.forename: Wanida
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Limpongsanuruk
authors.forename: Srisupalak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singalavanija
authors.forename: Rattanawalai
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nitiyarom
authors.forename: Wanee
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wisuthsarewong
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D047188:Chalcones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D047188:Chalcones; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients; D005938:Glucocorticoids; C070840:licochalcone A; D006854:Hydrocortisone