Improvement in skin barrier function in patients with atopic dermatitis after treatment with a moisturizing cream (Canoderm)

Patients with atopic skin show a defective barrier function both in rough and in clinically normal skin, with an increasing risk of developing contact dermatitis. Moisturizing creams are often used in the treatment of dry skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of treatment with a urea-containing moisturizer on the barrier properties of atopic skin. Fifteen patients with atopic dermatitis treated one of their forearms twice daily for 20 days with a moisturizing cream. Skin capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at the start of the study and after 10 and 20 days. On day 21 the skin was exposed to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and on day 22 the irritant reaction was measured non-invasively. Skin capacitance was significantly increased by the treatment, indicating increased skin hydration. The water barrier function, as reflected by TEWL values, tended to improve (P = 0.07), and the skin susceptibility to SLS was significantly reduced, as measured by TEWL and superficial skin blood flow (P < 0.05). Thus, it seems that certain moisturizers could improve skin barrier function in atopics and reduce skin susceptibility to irritants. The mechanism and the clinical relevance need further investigation.     

A double‐blind,randomized study to assess the effectiveness of different moisturizers in preventing dermatitis induced by hand washing to simulate healthcare use

Background Healthcare‐associated infection is an important worldwide problem that could be reduced by better hand hygiene practice. However, irritant contact dermatitis of the hands as a result of repeated hand washing is a potential complication that may be preventable by the regular use of an emollient. Objectives To assess the effect of moisturizer application after repeated hand washing (15 times daily) vs. soap alone. Methods In a double‐blind, randomized study, the effect of five different moisturizers on skin barrier function was determined by assessment after repeated hand washing over a 2‐week period in healthy adult volunteers. Assessments of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), epidermal hydration and a visual assessment using the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) were made at days 0, 7 and 14. Results In total, 132 patients were enrolled into the study. A statistically significant worsening of the clinical condition of the skin as measured by HECSI was seen from baseline to day 14 (P = 0·003) in those subjects repeatedly washing their hands with soap without subsequent application of moisturizer. No change was seen in the groups using moisturizer. Subclinical assessment of epidermal hydration as a measure of skin barrier function showed significant increases from baseline to day 14 after the use of three of the five moisturizing products (P = 0·041, 0·001 and 0·009). Three of the five moisturizers tested led to a statistically significant decrease in TEWL at day 7 of repeated hand washing. This effect was sustained for one moisturizing product at day 14 of hand washing (P = 0·044). Conclusions These results support the view that the regular application of moisturizers to normal skin offers a protective effect against repeated exposure to irritants, with no evidence of a reduction in barrier efficiency allowing the easier permeation of irritant substances into the skin as has been suggested by other studies. Regular use of emollient in the healthcare environment may prevent the development of dermatitis.     

An evaluation of the moisturizing and anti-itch effects of a lactic acid and pramoxine hydrochloride cream

An open-label, single-center, observer-blinded, controlled trial was conducted during the winter months to evaluate the moisturizing and antipruritic effects of a unique formulation of lactic acid 12% neutralized with ammonium hydroxide and pramoxine hydrochloride (HCl) 1% in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin. Baseline assessments for appearance of dryness of both lower legs of each patient were conducted by a blinded expert grader; skin surface hydration was measured by the IBS Co, Ltd, Skicon-200 (Hamamatsu, Japan) conductivity meter; and dryness and itch were measured through self-assessment surveys. The women stopped the use of all moisturizing agents 7 days prior to and throughout the study and were allowed to use only a nonmoisturizing soap for bathing and shaving. Patients were randomized as to which leg to apply the test cream; the opposite leg was used as a nontreated control. Patients applied the test product liberally to the assigned leg twice daily for 7 days and had repeat assessments for appearance and hydration on the morning of days 3 and 7; self-assessments of itch and dryness were completed on days 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Expert grader assessment of skin dryness showed significant improvement with the test cream compared with no treatment on day 3 (P=.0004) and on day 7 (P<.001). Patients had statistically significant improvement in skin surface hydration by day 3 (P<.0001), with further improvement by day 7 (P<.0001). Patients also reported significant improvements in skin dryness and itch by day 1 (P<.0001 and (P<.0001, respectively), which continued to improve through day 7 (P<.0001 and P<.0001, respectively). In conclusion, the test cream was shown to be an effective moisturizer and antipruritic agent in treating dry itchy skin.     

P16Eyelid dermatitis with positive patch test to coconut diethanolamide

Coconut oil, a traditional moisturizer used for centuries by people in the tropics, does not have any clinical studies documenting its effectivity and safety. This study aims to determine effectivity and safety of coconut oil compared to mineral oil as moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. A review board‐approved randomized double‐blind controlled trial was conducted in 34 patients after negative patch‐testing. Patients applied either coconut or mineral oil twice a day for two weeks. Quantitative outcomes for effectivity, measured at baseline and each weekly visit, were skin hydration (Corneometer CM825®) and skin lipids (Sebumeter SM810®); for safety, transepidermal water loss [TEWL](Tewameter TM210®) and skin surface pH (Skin pH meter PH900®). Patients and investigator evaluated symptoms of dryness, scaling, roughness, and pruritus using visual analogue scales (VAS) and grading of xerosis. Both groups showed significant improvement in skin hydration and increased skin surface lipid levels. TEWL and Skin pH were not affected. Objective instrumental determinations showed no significant difference between both groups. Patient and investigator subjective grading of xerosis and VAS showed general trend toward better, though not statistically evident, with coconut over mineral oil. Coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil as a moisturizer.     

Improvement of mild inflammatory changes of the facial skin induced by winter environment with daily applications of a moisturizing cream. A half-side test of biophysical skin parameters, cytokine expression pattern and the formation of cornified envelope

OBJECTIVE: Based on our previous findings that, reflecting mild inflammation, the exposed facial skin shows much poorer functional properties of the stratum corneum (SC) in the dry and cold winter than those evaluated in the same individuals in the warm and humid summer time, we conducted a half-side test on the face to determine how the facial skin changes induced by a winter environment are improved by daily applications of a moisturizing cream as assessed by non-invasive biophysical and cytological methods. METHODS: One side of the face of 16 young females was treated with a moisturizing cream twice daily for 6 weeks, with the other side serving as the non-treated control. Before treatment, 3 and 6 weeks after the start of the treatment, high-frequency conductance as a parameter of the skin surface hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a parameter of the water barrier function of the skin, and the skin surface lipid level were measured on the cheeks. Obtaining the SC from the skin surface by adhesive tape, interleukin (IL) 1alpha and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in the SC and cornified envelope (CE) maturation were determined. RESULTS: At first, baseline measurements conducted before treatment showed rather high TEWL values suggestive of an impaired skin barrier. During the treatment with the moisturizing cream, significantly higher conductance values and lower TEWL values were found on the moisturizer-treated side, accompanied by a decreasing IL-1ra/IL-1alpha ratio and immature CEs. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the daily application of a moisturizing cream is effective in improving mild subclinical inflammation that is induced on the facial skin by the winter environment.     

含牛油果树果脂等植物成分的保湿产品改善皮肤干燥的安全性及有效性评价

目的：探讨一种含牛油果树果脂等植物成分的保湿产品改善皮肤干燥的临床有效性和安全性。方法：采用前瞻性多中心自身前后对照试验进行研究,共收集196例受试者。受试者在双侧小腿胫前皮肤使用该保湿产品,每日1次,共14 d。分别在使用前、使用后1 h、4 h、24 h、7 d及14 d进行受试区皮肤生理指标检测及干燥程度的主观评分。结果：受试者单次使用研究产品后1 h、4 h及24 h,受试区皮肤角质层含水量较基线水平显著增加,分别升高17.11±6.72、13.98±6.36、10.79±6.28（P<0.001）,保湿时效≥24 h。使用7 d和14 d后,角质层含水量分别为41.18±8.70和43.48±8.84,较基线水平（26.53±8.68）明显升高;经皮水分丢失分别为（6.48±2.33）g/h/m²和（6.46±3.43）g/h/m²,较基线水平[（7.36±3.96）g/h/m²]减少;pH值改变分别为5.28±0.60和5.37±0.53,较基线水平（5.51±0.70）降低并保持稳定;皮肤干燥程度主观...     

Electrical measurement of moisturizing effect on skin hydration and barrier function in psoriasis patients

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in psoriatic skin lesions seems to be related to the severity of the psoriasis, and the electrical capacitance and conductance of the skin are indicators of the hydration level of the stratum corneum. We compared the characteristics of these electrical measurements, in assessing the persistent effect of a moisturizing cream on skin hydration and barrier function in psoriasis patients. Seventeen Korean psoriasis patients were recruited. Their right leg was treated with the moisturizer twice daily for 6 weeks, while their left leg was used as the control site. For each patient, one psoriatic plaque on each leg was selected as the involved psoriatic lesion. Uninvolved psoriatic skin was regarded as the apparently healthy looking skin 4-5 cm away from the periphery of the psoriatic lesion. The TEWL, electrical capacitance and conductance were measured, in order to evaluate the barrier function and hydration level of the stratum corneum. The clinical and biophysical data for each patient were recorded at the start of the study and after 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The degree of skin dryness at the applied area improved progressively. The electrical capacitance at the treated psoriatic lesion increased significantly after 2 weeks, and this improvement was maintained during the entire study period. However, no noticeable change was observed in the electrical conductance. The TEWL showed an inverse pattern to that of the skin capacitance, decreasing during the study period. The skin capacitance and TEWL exhibited good correlation with the visual assessment of skin dryness, but the skin conductance did not. Our data suggest that electrical capacitance and TEWL may be useful in the evaluation of the effect of a moisturizer on the hydration status and barrier function of psoriatic skin.     

Effect of skin pH for wrinkle formation on Asian: Korean,Vietnamese and Singaporean

Background Skin pH may be influenced by various factors, such as hydration of stratum corneum, rate of sebum excretion rate, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sweating in relation to skin ageing. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between skin pH and wrinkle formation that is directly related to ageing. In addition, we investigated the factors related to skin ageing by comparing the association between skin pH and other skin properties. Methods Three hundred volunteers were selected from three countries: Korea, Vietnam and Singapore. Hydration on the stratum corneum, the rate of sebum excretion rate, melanin index, TEWL and skin temperature on the cheek were measured in a controlled room, and wrinkle length and depth using replicas were compared with skin pH variation. Results The mean and standard deviation of skin surface pH among the three countries were 5.510 ± 0.625. The greatest gap of skin pH that revealed significant differences for skin properties was represented between the Koreans and the Vietnamese. For all three countries, skin hydration, melanin contents, wrinkle length, wrinkle depth and skin temperature were significantly correlated with skin pH. Factors related to skin moisturizing, such as skin hydration, sebum excretion rate and skin temperature, were negatively correlated with skin pH. Wrinkle length and depth decreased as skin pH became more acidic. Conclusions Skin properties displayed various values depending on skin pH. In particular, wrinkle formation significantly decreased as skin pH becomes more acidic. We conclude that skin pH is determined by skin properties, such as skin hydration, sebum excretion rate, melanin concentration, TEWL and skin temperature that affects wrinkle formation.     

Barrier recovery and influence of irritant stimuli in skin treated with a moisturizing cream

Moisturizers are used daily by many people to alleviate symptoms of clinically and subjectively dry skin. Recent studies suggest that certain ingredients in creams may accelerate the recovery of a disrupted barrier and decrease the skin susceptibility to irritant stimuli. In the present single-blind study, a moisturizing cream was tested for its influence both on barrier recovery in surfuctant-damaged skin and on the susceptibility of normal skin to exposure to the irritant sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Parameters measured were transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin corneometer values, indicating degree of hydration. Treatment of surfactant-damaged skin with the test cream for 14 days promoted barrier recovery, as observed as a decrease in TEWL. Skin corneometer values also normalized more rapidly during the treatment. In normal skin, use or the test cream significantly reduced TFWL after 14 days of treatment, and irritant reactions to SLS were, significantly decreased. Skin corneometer values increased after only 1 application and remained elevated after 14 days. In conclusion, the accelerated rate of recovery of surfactant-damaged skin and the lower degree of SLS-induced irritation in normal skin treated with the test cream may be of clinical relevance in attempts to reduce contact dermatitis due to irritant stimuli.     

Does massage postapplication improve moisturizer’s efficacy? A 2‐week regression study

Background Combining massage with moisturizer application is a popular technique in beauty spa sessions. The subjective positive psychological effects of massage with moisturizer application in hand and face beauty treatment are documented by many people attending spa sessions. The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of local effleurage massage as an external intervention on moisturizer efficacy. Methods In a regression‐type study of 2‐week, twice‐daily application followed by 1 week of regression, 13 female subjects applied “off the shelf” moisturizer twice daily on both forearms followed by 1 min superficial massage for one forearm randomized among subjects. The influence of massage after moisturizer application on skin barrier properties was evaluated by noninvasive measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, and skin elasticity at baseline, day 7, and day 14 during the treatment phase, and day 21 following a 1‐week regression period, in which no moisturizer and no massage were performed on forearms. Results The tested “off the shelf” moisturizer in both “massage” and “no‐massage” application protocols caused a comparable progressive improvement in skin hydration level and barrier permeability over the 2‐week treatment period, which was maintained during the 1‐week regression (no moisturizer) period. In addition, skin elasticity was similarly improved by both application protocols. Conclusion In this long‐term study, the daily performance of massage after moisturizer application was not an effective external intervention for enhancing moisturizer efficacy.     

Cosmetic formulations containing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lithospermum erythrorhizon</Emphasis> root extract show moisturizing effects on human skin

Retention of water in the stratum corneum of skin epidermis plays an important role in regulation of skin function. Loss of water may decline skin appearance gradually and lead to irregular skin disorders. The root extract of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LES) is known for its various pharmacological activities. However, the potential skin care effect of LES is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the moisturizing efficacy and skin barrier repairing activity of LES. For this study, 30 healthy Asian females (age 20-30) with healthy skin had applied the test emulsions twice daily over a period of 28 days. The skin properties were measured by skin bioengineering techniques. Our preliminary results indicated that LES show moisturizing effect on skin hydration in a time- and dose-dependent pattern, and the maximum increase in skin humidity was 11.77 +/- 1.18% for emulsion LES5.00. Particularly, LES-containing emulsions significantly improve skin barrier function by decreasing the value of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in a time- and dose-dependent pattern, and the maximum decrease in TEWL value was 7.68 +/- 0.79% for emulsion LES5.00. Taken together, our data demonstrate that LES is more effective in increasing skin humidity and decreasing the TEWL values, indicating the potential skin care effects of LES.     

Effects of skin moisturizer on the skin barrier dysfunction model: An evaluation of the heel via tape-stripping in healthy,young adults

BackgroundThis study seeks to establish the skin barrier dysfunction model at the heel via tape-stripping (TS) by evaluating the skin moisturizing effects.Materials and methodsNineteen young, female participated in the study. A sequence of TS was performed at the heel and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, and surface pH were measured. Following TS, the subjects were divided into three groups: moisturizer, emollient, and overcoat. These agents were applied daily at night, and the skin parameters were measured the next morning for a week.ResultsThe TEWL value of TS immediately and 5 min after TS were significantly higher than what was obtained before TS, while the SC hydration after TS was significantly lower than what was obtained before TS. However, there were no significant differences in the skin parameters among the three agents on day 7 after application, with the two-way ANOVA showing no interaction among the agents and number of days.ConclusionThe skin barrier dysfunction model at the heel was established by TS in healthy, young adults. However, the physiological function of the skin at the heel did not change drastically and showed no differences even after continuous application for 7 days.     

Moisturizing cream ameliorates dryness and desquamation in participants not receiving topical psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis is a disorder characterized by faster than normal skin growth, resulting in a buildup of thickened areas with a scaly appearance. Common sites of involvement include the scalp, elbows, knees, and back. Moisturization of these areas may provide relief by increasing hydration. Accordingly, the use of a moisturizing cream (Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream) was studied in participants with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (5%-10% body surface area) who either were not being treated or had discontinued the use of all topical psoriasis medications and all other moisturizers and remained off of them for the entire study. The condition of the participants'skin was objectively monitored for skin barrier function through transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration through corneometry, and desquamation through the use of sticky tape corneocyte counts (D-SQUAME). Thirty participants were enrolled. The results of this 4-week study indicate there was no further damage to the skin barrier, as no significant change in TEWL was seen. Furthermore, skin hydration increased over the course of the study. Desquamation measurements showed a significant percentage of participants with skin improvements from very dry to dry or normal (P < .0001 for all time points). All of these effects were noted despite the absence of topical psoriasis treatment. The investigator assessed that this moisturizer was well-tolerated and appropriate for use on the damaged skin of participants with psoriasis.     

Effects of moisturizing skincare on skin barrier function and the prevention of skin problems in 3‐month‐old infants: A randomized controlled trial

An effective newborn skincare protocol has not been established. We aimed to evaluate the effects of moisturizing skincare, including using lotion and reducing routine bathing. Our hypothesis was that moisturizing skincare would improve skin barrier function. This randomized controlled trial included 227 healthy Asian newborns between 1 week and 3 months old. We compared moisturizing skincare (bathing every 2 days and using lotion daily; intervention, n = 113) to daily bathing without lotion (control, n = 114). We assessed the skin barrier function (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], stratum corneum hydration [SCH], skin pH and sebum secretion) as a primary outcome at 3 months old. We also assessed the incidence of skin problems according to parents’ diary reports. Compared with the control, the intervention group had a lower face TEWL (mean ± standard deviation, 14.69 ± 7.38 vs 17.08 ± 8.26 g/m² per h, P = 0.033), higher face SCH (60.38 ± 13.66 vs 53.52 ± 14.55, P = 0.001) and higher body SCH (58.89 ± 12.96 vs 53.02 ± 10.08, P < 0.001). Compared with the control, newborns in the intervention group had significantly lower rates of diaper dermatitis between birth and 1 month old (6.3% vs 15.9%, P = 0.022), and tended to have lower rates of body skin problems between 1 and 3 months (42.1% vs 55.2%, P = 0.064). Moisturizing skincare was effective for improving skin barrier function and preventing newborns’ diaper dermatitis. The results of our study may help parents make informed decisions about newborn skincare.     

舒敏保湿特护霜射频导入治疗敏感性皮肤疗效评价

目的:评价射频导入舒敏保湿特护霜治疗面部敏感性皮肤的有效性和安全性.方法:将40例敏感性皮肤患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组20例.两组均口服枸地氯雷他定片8.8 mg/d,治疗组外用舒敏保湿特护霜,对照组外用凡士林霜,每日两次,联合射频导入治疗,1次/周,持续治疗4周.分别于0周、4周做疗效判定,使用CK无创皮肤检测...     

Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Seborrhea leads to facial greasiness and unpleasant feeling. People with seborrhea also have trouble with selecting moisturizers. l -Carnitine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are reported anti-sebum properties. However, neither efficacy comparison nor the combination effect of the two topical anti-sebum agents was studied. Moisturizing cream with these agents is supposed to provide skin with an optimal water–oil balance.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing 2% l -carnitine or 5% EGCG alone on sebum controlling, and the synergistic effect of these two agents.

Methods

Three study creams were formulated by adding three kinds of anti-sebum agents which were 2% l -carnitine, 5% EGCG, and 2% l -carnitine plus 5% EGCG in moisturizing cream base of dimethicone and glycerin. A randomized clinical trial was conducted. Ninety subjects, divided into three groups, applied the cream for 4 weeks. Sebum level, skin capacitance, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evaluated at Weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4. Life qualities and subjective outcomes were assessed before and after treatment.

Results

The mean sebum reduction from baseline was statistically significant in all treatment groups (p < 0.01). The median time to oil control was longer in l -carnitine group. The combine group had significantly greater anti-sebum efficacy than l -carnitine group (p = 0.009). All three groups had significant improvement of other objective parameters and subjective outcomes.

Conclusions

The anti-sebum moisturizing cream exhibited beneficial effect on the sebum reduction with improve skin hydration in people with seborrhea and made users satisfied. The EGCG group and the combine group show the greater anti-sebum effect than the l -carnitine group.     

Ceramide analogue 14S24 selectively recovers perturbed human skin barrier

BACKGROUND: Topical ceramide application is an effective therapeutic approach in skin disorders with disturbed barrier function, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate ceramide analogue N-tetracosanoyl-(l)-serine tetradecyl ester (14S24) using a novel ex vivo model. METHODS: Freshly excised human skin was disrupted by lipid extraction, tape stripping and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) treatment. Barrier perturbation was evaluated by the measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and the penetration of model compound, theophylline (TH), assessed by microdialysis. The effect of topical 5% 14S24 was compared with a commercial formulation containing a skin lipid mixture (LR) and control formulation with no skin lipids (L). RESULTS: Both LR and 14S24 produced significant recovery of TEWL and TH penetration in extracted and tape-stripped skin with 14S24 being significantly more effective. In SLS-treated skin, 14S24 decreased TEWL but not TH penetration; LR was inactive. L improved skin hydration but not barrier characteristics. Weak correlation between TEWL and TH penetration was observed in extracted and tape-stripped skin but not in SLS-treated skin. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous microdialysis can serve as a useful tool for the evaluation of skin barrier recovery by topical formulations ex vivo whereas TEWL may not be an appropriate measure of skin barrier function in such studies. The excellent barrier repair activity of 14S24 could be beneficial in skin disorders with ceramide deficiency.     

Noninvasive biophysical assessments of the efficacy of a moisturizing cosmetic cream base for patients with atopic dermatitis during different seasons

BACKGROUND: The use of emollients is recommended for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) to maintain improved condition. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain objectively the effectiveness of a moisturizing cream for patients with AD during different seasons. METHODS: We conducted clinical evaluations, noninvasive biophysical measurements and biochemical analyses of the stratum corneum (SC) components of the volar forearm skin of 23 patients with AD after a moisturizer was applied twice daily for 4 weeks. The moisturizer was formulated according to the consensus of cosmetic scientists belonging to major Japanese cosmetic companies. The nontreated forearm served as a control. RESULTS: After using the moisturizer treatment, the hydration of the SC significantly increased together with a decrease in the desquamation measurements and an improvement in the regularity of skin surface corneocytes. An improvement was observed in the SC barrier function in winter, but was achieved only after 4 weeks in late spring during which time there even occurred exacerbation of skin conditions in three patients. With use of the moisturizer treatment, we found no change in the SC content of free amino acids or ceramides, the ratio of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist to IL-1alpha, the ratio of immature to mature cornified envelopes, the size of the corneocytes or the emergence of parakeratotic cells in the skin surface corneocytes. CONCLUSION: Treatment with an adequate moisturizer is beneficial for the dry skin of patients with AD during the dry, cold season but it does not influence the impaired SC barrier function as effectively in the less arid season.     

Skin barrier response to occlusion of healthy and irritated skin: Differences in trans‐epidermal water loss,erythema and stratum corneum lipids

Background. Occlusion of the skin is a risk factor for development of irritant contact dermatitis. Occlusion may, however, have a positive effect on skin healing. No consensus on the effect of occlusion has been reached. Objectives. To investigate skin barrier response to occlusion on intact and damaged skin. Methods. In study A, the response to occlusion (nitrile glove material) for either 8 hr daily for 7 days or for 72 consecutive hours, respectively, was determined and compared with that of non‐occluded skin. In study B, the response to occlusion of for 72 consecutive hours of skin that had been damaged by either sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or tape stripping, respectively, was determined and compared with that of to non‐occluded pre‐damaged skin. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurements of trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema. In study A, stratum corneum lipids were analysed. Results. Occlusion of healthy skin did not significantly influence skin barrier function, ceramide profile or the ceramide/cholesterol ratio. Occlusion of the skin after SLS irritation resulted in higher TEWL than in the control (P = 0.049). Occlusion of the skin after tape stripping resulted in lower TEWL than in control skin (P = 0.007). Conclusions. A week of occlusion did not significantly affect healthy skin, but was found to decrease healing of SLS‐damaged skin, and to improve healing of tape‐stripped skin.     

Topical application of a linoleic acid‐ceramide containing moisturizer exhibit therapeutic and preventive benefits for psoriasis vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory disorder with frequent relapse. Ceramides and their key enzymes are deficient in the lesions, resulting in impaired epidermal permeability barrier, which correlates with disease severity. We evaluated the efficacy of linoleic acid‐ceramide moisturizer (LA‐Cer) as an adjunctive and preventive therapy for psoriasis vulgaris. 106 patients were randomized into two groups. The control group (C₁) received Mometasone Furoate 0.1% Cream (MF) while the treatment group (T₁) was given 0.1% MF in combination with LA‐Cer moisturizer. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), pruritus, capacitance (CAP), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of normal skin and lesion were evaluated at Week 0, 2, 4, 8. Subsequently, T₁ patients were randomized for another 1 year. LA‐Cer‐group (T₂) maintained the use of moisturizer while control group (C₂) discontinued. CAPs, TEWLs, PASI were assessed after 1 year. Primary endpoints (PASI‐50 at Week 8) revealed superiority of LA‐Cer‐MF versus MF, less relapse, and rebound in LA‐Cer‐group than control (C₂) at Year 1. There were time‐by‐therapy interaction effect on CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI. LA‐Cer‐MF induced higher CAP, an earlier reduction of lesional TEWL and PASI than control (C₁). CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI remained stable in LA‐Cer‐group. CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI were comparable to the baseline levels in control group (C₂). Topical LA‐Cer moisturizer can alleviate psoriasis, and could be a valuable approach for the treatment and prevention of psoriasis.