title: Efficacy of a Cream Containing Ceramides and Magnesium in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Emollient- and Hydrocortisone-controlled Trial.
abstract: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of a cream containing ceramides and magnesium (Cer-Mg) in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and to compare it with hydrocortisone and a commonly used emollient (unguentum leniens; cold cream). A total of 100 patients, randomized into 2 groups, were treated for 6 weeks simultaneously (left vs. right side of the body) with either Cer-Mg and hydrocortisone (group I) or Cer-Mg and emollient (group II). The primary outcome was a reduction in severity of lesions as assessed by (local) SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis). Levels of trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) were then measured. After 6 weeks, group I showed comparable significant improvement in SCORAD and TEWL, while in group II, the decrease in SCORAD and TEWL was significantly greater after Cer-Mg compared with emollient. Finally, Cer-Mg cream was more effective in improving skin hydration and maintenance of levels of NMF than hydrocortisone and emollient.
authors.affiliation: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sjors A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Koppes
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.forename: Laureen
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lammers
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frings-Dresen
authors.forename: Sanja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kezic
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rustemeyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000481:Allantoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients; D005260:Female; D006582:Hexachlorophene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D013185:Squalene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D004643:Emollients; D009824:Ointments; C058062:allantoin, hexachlorophene, squalene drug combination; D000481:Allantoin; D013185:Squalene; D006582:Hexachlorophene; D006854:Hydrocortisone