Steroid-Free Over-the-Counter Eczema Skin Care Formulations Reduce Risk of Flare, Prolong Time to Flare, and Reduce Eczema Symptoms in Pediatric Subjects With Atopic Dermatitis

May 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 5 | Original Article | 478 | Copyright © May 2015


Teresa M. Weber PhD,a Frank Samarin MD,b Michael J. Babcock MD,c
Alexander Filbry PhD,d and Frank Rippke MDd

aUS Research and Development, Beiersdorf Inc, Wilton, CT
bMountaintop Dermatology, Colorado Springs, CO
cColorado Springs Dermatology Clinic, Colorado Springs, CO
dResearch and Development, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany

All products were well tolerated, both alone and in combination. Only one AE occurred during the study in a subject receiving cleanser along with Flare Treatment. No AEs occurred in subjects receiving cleanser and Body Cream.
These OTC formulations contain 1% colloidal oatmeal, licochalcone A, and ceramide 3, and were developed to help restore the acidic skin pH as well as to restore and maintain barrier function. An acidic pH is essential to healthy skin, inhibiting microbial growth and promoting the function of enzymes that regulate desquamation and barrier lipid maturation.23,24 The skin pH of children with AD has been demonstrated to be higher relative to healthy counterparts,25 and reestablishing an acidic skin environment is essential for repairing barrier function.
This study was the first randomized, controlled study testing the efficacy and compatibility of Body Cream and Flare Treatment—2 products designed and formulated to treat eczema. This study was limited by its small sample size, which may have influenced the statistical analysis of cohorts that contained only a few subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Few OTC eczema formulations have been evaluated in infants and children as young as 3 months and demonstrated efficacy and tolerability. The Body Cream and Flare Treatment formulations offer parents/guardians and physicians efficacious nonsteroidal, OTC treatment options specifically developed for atopic skin. Results from this 3-phase study validate the use of these products as an effective, first-line treatment regimen for the management of AD, reducing the need for topical steroid intervention. Although beyond the scope of this study, it can be postulated that daily use of the Body Cream could reduce the number of flares a child experiences over a period of years, and could help reduce the need for, and cumulative exposure to, topical steroid treatments.

AKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge the editorial contributions of Jodie Macoun PhD, and the technical support of Craig E. Arrowitz.

DISCLOSURES

Teresa M. Weber PhD is an employee of Beiersdorf Inc, the manufacturer of Eucerin® Eczema Relief Body Crème and Eucerin® Eczema Relief Flare Treatment. Alexander Filbry PhD and Frank Rippke MD are employees of Beiersdorf AG. Frank Samarin MD and Michael J. Babcock MD have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Teresa M. Weber PhD……....................................... tweber@bdfusa.com
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