A main function of the stratum corneum is to serve as an effective barrier against moisture loss.3,26 Depletion of ceramides in the stratum corneum, which can result in increased moisture loss, has been reported in patients with psoriasis.3 Animal studies and skin biopsies from human patients with psoriasis have suggested that ceramides play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.27-29 However, data on the use of emollients containing ceramides for psoriasis, either alone or in combination with other topical therapies, are limited, possibly contributing to the lack of reimbursement by health care insurances and underuse of these products.23
Statement 7
Using pH-balanced, non-irritating cleansers and ceramidecontaining moisturizers may help minimize xerosis and pruritus in patients with psoriasis.
A common clinical feature of psoriasis is the scaling typically associated with hyperkeratosis, pruritus, inflammation, and xerosis.2,23 Emollients and moisturizers retain moisture in the stratum corneum and can be useful in treating patients with psoriasis to help reduce itching and desquamation (Table 2).9
In a study of psoriasis treatment with ceramide-based adjunctive skin care, 106 patients were randomized to receive either the combination of linoleic acid-ceramide moisturizer (LA-Cer) and mometasone furoate 0.1% cream (T1; treatment group) or mometasone furoate monotherapy (C1; control group).30 Improvement in pruritus was seen in both groups after 4 weeks. The treatment group using the moisturizer reported superior Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-50 results at week 8 compared with the control group. Higher capacitance (indicating
Statement 7
Using pH-balanced, non-irritating cleansers and ceramidecontaining moisturizers may help minimize xerosis and pruritus in patients with psoriasis.
A common clinical feature of psoriasis is the scaling typically associated with hyperkeratosis, pruritus, inflammation, and xerosis.2,23 Emollients and moisturizers retain moisture in the stratum corneum and can be useful in treating patients with psoriasis to help reduce itching and desquamation (Table 2).9
In a study of psoriasis treatment with ceramide-based adjunctive skin care, 106 patients were randomized to receive either the combination of linoleic acid-ceramide moisturizer (LA-Cer) and mometasone furoate 0.1% cream (T1; treatment group) or mometasone furoate monotherapy (C1; control group).30 Improvement in pruritus was seen in both groups after 4 weeks. The treatment group using the moisturizer reported superior Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-50 results at week 8 compared with the control group. Higher capacitance (indicating
