title: Assessing attributes of topical vehicles for the treatment of acne, atopic dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis.
abstract: There is limited information available regarding patient preferences and attributes of topical product formulations for specific dermatologic conditions. This study focused on product attributes that were most desirable for 3 dermatologic conditions: acne, atopic dermatitis (AD), and plaque psoriasis (PP). Six focus groups were conducted with participants self-reporting 1 of these conditions and use of 2 or more topical treatments. Discussion focused on symptoms, treatments tried, and vehicle attributes. Fifty-four subjects participated: acne, n=19; AD, n=18; and PP, n=17. The most commonly reported prescription medication vehicles were creams and ointments, followed by lotions, gels, and foams. Itching and redness were the only symptoms spontaneously reported across all 6 focus groups. The attributes considered most important across all conditions included: moisturizing, absorbs/disappears/dries quickly, available in various formulations, does not bleach or stain skin/hair/clothing, is not greasy or oily, is not sticky or tacky, is long lasting/long acting, is fragrance or odor free, is easy to apply/simple to use, and can use all the time. Preferences attributable to acne included: easy to dispense/dispenses right amount, nondrying, product goes on/spreads smoothly, container is not easily broken/does not leak, and creamy. Preferences attributable to AD included: not noticeable to others/conceals area, good consistency, and cooling. Patient preference for product vehicle is relevant to adherence as compliance is a major factor for high rates of failure for dermatologic treatments.
authors.affiliation: 20 TW Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. joe.w.eastman@stiefel.com.
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Eastman
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malahias
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Delconte
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DiBenedetti
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005079:Excipients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005782:Gels / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005079:Excipients; D005782:Gels; D009824:Ointments; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles