A New Body Moisturizer Increases Skin Hydration and Improves Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms Among Children and Adults

July 2011 | Volume 10 | Issue 7 | Original Article | 744 | Copyright © July 2011


Eric Simpson MD MCRa and Yves Dutronc MDb

aDepartment of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon bGalderma R&D, Sophia Antipolis, France

Abstract

Moisturizers result in an increase of skin hydration and restoration of the skin barrier function and play a prominent role in the longterm management of atopic dermatitis (AD). Cetaphil Restoraderm™ Moisturizer (CRM) contains novel ingredients specifically designed for AD, and its effects on skin hydration, skin barrier function and signs of AD were assessed in four studies, three of which were evaluator-blinded, randomized and intra-individual comparison trials. A single application of CRM induced significantly greater hydration than the untreated control for at least 24 hours (P<0.001). After the skin was disrupted with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), applications of CRM led to a more rapid restoration of skin barrier function and maintained significantly greater skin hydration compared to the untreated control (both P<0.05). After four weeks of twice-daily CRM application among subjects with a history of AD, a significant decrease of itching/stinging scores compared to baseline was reported, as well as an improvement in the quality-of-life and a high level of satisfaction regarding the product. When CRM was used as an adjunctive treatment with topical steroid for four weeks among subjects with mild-to-moderate AD, a more rapid decrease of overall disease severity was observed on days 7, 14 and 21 by the blinded investigator (P<0.05), compared to steroid treatment alone. In summary, CRM is suitable for the specific needs of patients with AD and can be used either alone for long-term management or in adjunction with traditional treatment for both short and long-term disease control.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(7):744-749.

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease, with a prevalence of 2–5 percent in the general population and approximately 15 percent in children and young adults.1 The disease is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, which leads to increased transepidermal water loss, xerosis and secondary infection. Pruritus is a key feature of AD, which results in a vicious cycle of itching and scratching and further compromises the already damaged skin barrier. Emerging evidence from basic research provides a better understanding of the epidermal pathogenic mechanisms that may explain the barrier dysfunction found in AD, including impaired ceramide synthesis and loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene.2-4 These insights into the disease pathogenesis may provide new leads in the design of treatments better targeted to AD patients.
Effective management of AD presents a challenge to pediatricians and dermatologists due to the chronic and relapsing nature of the disease. Since there is no cure for AD, the treatment strategy usually involves the treatment of flares followed by long-term management using flare prevention strategies.5 While topical steroids remain the mainstay of treatment during flares, the foundation of long-term AD management is proper skin care with the use of daily skin moisturization according
to several regional and international consensus guidelines.1,6,7 Despite the primary importance of daily skin moisturization, few data exist regarding the optimum skin care regimen in AD.
Cetaphil® (Galderma SA) is a family of non-irritating skin care products specifically designed for individuals with sensitive or compromised skin. The Cetaphil moisturizing cream was shown to have skin barrier restoration function among rosacea and acne patients.8,9 The recently available Restoraderm™ products include a body wash and a body moisturizer (CRM), which were designed for children and adults with AD to repair skin barrier function (by using ceramides) and to increase skin hydration (by supplementing filaggrin breakdown products). In addition, the moisturizer is comprised of humectants, emollients and occlusives intended to enhance skin barrier integrity. The objectives of the present studies on CRM were to determine the effect of CRM application on skin hydration and signs of AD when used either alone or in conjunction with topical treatments.

METHODS

These four independent studies were conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practices and local regulatory requirements. All subjects provided written