Topical corticosteroids and Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is commonly colonized with Staphylococcus aureus in high densities. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study the effect of topical corticosteroids on the colonization of S. aureus in atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Sixty-six patients were treated with moderately potent, or very potent corticosteroids. Quantification of S. aureus and evaluation of the severity of the eczema was performed before, after 1 week, and after 2 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients carried S. aureus in the most pronounced lesion before treatment. The colonization was significantly correlated with the severity of the eczema. The density of S. aureus was reduced by topical corticosteroids. The reduction increased with the potency of the corticosteroid and was most pronounced during the first week. S. aureus was eliminated after a successful 2-week treatment with a very potent corticosteroid. Propylene glycol 25% added to a moderately potent corticosteroid did not significantly increase the reduction of S. aureus. CONCLUSION: Topical corticosteroids of sufficient potency reduce the density of S. aureus in atopic dermatitis.     

The role of pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel)) in managing adult atopic eczema

In approximately 60% of patients atopic eczema starts in early childhood and persists throughout adolescence. The inadequate treatment of adult patients with recurrent flaring atopic eczema is associated with poor symptom control and diminished quality of life. The prolonged continuous use of topical corticosteroids is not advocated because of the risk of local and systemic adverse events. Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel) is an alternative to topical corticosteroids, particularly for delicate skin, e.g. face and other sensitive skin areas, because it has no atrophogenic potential. The results from clinical trials in adult patients demonstrate that intermittent treatment with pimecrolimus relieves the acute symptoms of atopic eczema and improves disease control and quality of life in the long term.     

Potential new indications of topical calcineurin inhibitors

The topical calcineurin inhibitors pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) were initially developed for the treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis), a chronic or chronically relapsing skin condition most prevalent in infants and children. Their main advantages compared with conventional topical corticosteroid therapy are that they are more selective in their mode of action, do not induce skin atrophy and are not associated with significant systemic absorption. In addition, topical calcineurin inhibitors may represent a useful alternative to topical corticosteroids for the treatment of a number of other inflammatory skin diseases. Preferred sites for the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors are areas such as the face, neck, flexures, and genital areas, which are more susceptible to topical corticosteroid side effects. The efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors has been demonstrated for flexural psoriasis, seborrhoeic, contact and hand eczema. Preliminary data also support the efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in lichen planus, facial lupus erythematosus, autoimmune bullous dermatosis, and vitiligo. In these latter indications, controlled studies are needed to better understand the efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors and their role in disease management.     

湿疹和特应性皮炎皮损处细菌定植情况及药物联合治疗的分析

目的 探讨湿疹和特应性皮炎(AD)皮损处金黄色葡萄球菌(金葡菌)及其他细菌的定植情况,评价抗菌药物与糖皮质激素联合用药的疗效。方法 采用多中心、随机、双盲试验,在筛选日及治疗后第7、14和28天对皮损评分,并在皮损和非皮损处分离细菌。试验组外用抗菌药物和糖皮质激素,对照组外用基质和糖皮质激素。结果 共入选患者327例,湿疹208例,AD119例。湿疹皮损处细菌的阳性率为70.19%,金葡菌占47.26%;非皮损部位细菌阳性率为32.69%,金葡菌占27.94%。AD皮损处细菌阳性率为74.79%,金葡菌占79.78%;非皮损部位细菌阳性率为34.45%,金葡菌占80.49%。湿疹和AD皮损部位金葡菌的定植量均高于非皮损部位(P<0.01,P<0.05),细菌的定植量与皮损的严重程度呈正相关。两组患者治疗后总体疗效无明显差异(P>0.05),但湿疹临床症状评分指数>8分者及AD评分指数>7分者,在治疗的第7天,试验组与对照组的症状评分指数改善率存在显著差异(P<0.05),在治疗的第14天和第28天,两组差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。结论 湿疹和AD患者皮损部位细菌的检出率和金葡菌的带菌率均明显增高,说明金葡菌与湿疹皮炎的关系密切,早期联用抗菌药物可提高疗效。     

Topical Corticosteroids and Hospital Length of Stay in Children with Eczema Herpeticum

Abstract: There is concern that the use of topical corticosteroids in patients with eczema herpeticum may facilitate dissemination of herpes simplex virus and worsen disease. Our primary aim therefore was to determine whether topical corticosteroid use in children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum is associated with longer hospital length of stay (LOS). We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 1,331 children ages 2 months to 17 years admitted with a diagnosis of eczema herpeticum between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2010, to 42 tertiary care children’s hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Multivariable linear regression models determined the association between receipt of topical corticosteroid therapy on the first day of hospitalization and the main outcome measure: LOS. Receipt of topical corticosteroid therapy on day 1 of hospitalization was not associated with a longer LOS on unadjusted or multivariable analysis (p = 0.75). Receipt of topical calcineurin inhibitors during the hospitalization was also not associated with a longer LOS (p = 0.12). Receipt of systemic corticosteroids was associated with an 18% adjusted longer LOS (95% confidence interval 2%–36%; p = 0.03). Further study is needed to identify which children with eczema herpeticum may benefit from topical corticosteroids, but their use during active infection is not associated with poorer outcomes, although the use of systemic corticosteroids was associated with a longer LOS and should be avoided in patients with eczema herpeticum pending future prospective study.     

外用皮质类固醇激素皮肤病患者的斑贴试验研究

用含不同皮质类固醇激素外用药的斑试剂对１７２例有外用皮质类固醇激素史的皮肤病患者进行斑贴试验，结果１２例（７．０％）对多种皮质类固醇激素制剂有反应。其阳性率仅次于橡胶促进剂、香料、苯唑卡因及白降汞，是第５位常见的过敏原。皮质类固醇激素过敏多见于钱币状湿疹，瘀积性皮炎等慢性皮肤疾患。临床表现多为皮损迁延不愈，但也可发生急性接触性皮炎。过敏的发生与性别、年龄无关；交叉过敏与多价过敏现象常见；未见全身性反应。     

The effect of two skin cleansing systems on moderate xerotic eczema

BACKGROUND: Moderate xerotic eczema, characterized by stratum corneum desquamation, erythema, and pruritis is a common condition that can be induced or worsened by skin cleansing. Traditional dermatologic therapy includes the use of emollients, medium or high potency topical corticosteroids, and a change in bathing habits. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of two cleansing systems: a synthetic detergent bar soap applied with a cotton washcloth and a petrolatum-delivering body wash applied with a polyethylene puff as part of a topical treatment approach to moderate xerotic eczema. METHOD: Sixty patients with moderate xerotic eczema were enrolled in a 4-week investigator-blinded study. Half were randomly treated with a strong topical corticosteroid cream (0.05% fluocinonide) and a traditional cleansing system consisting of a synthetic detergent bar soap applied with a washcloth. The remaining patients were treated with a weaker, medium strength topical corticosteroid cream (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide) and a novel cleansing system consisting of a petrolatum-delivering body wash applied with a polyethylene puff. Dermatologist investigator evaluations and patient self-assessments were conducted at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. RESULTS: Patients using the novel petrolatum-delivering body wash and polyethylene puff cleansing system and the lower potency corticosteroid cream demonstrated significantly greater clinical improvement than those patients using the traditional cleansing system of a synthetic detergent beauty bar and washcloth system and the higher potency corticosteroid cream after both 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: The cleansing system of a petrolatum-delivering body wash delivered by a polyethylene puff may be useful as a cleanser for patients with moderate xerotic eczema.     

Topical corticosteroid phobia in atopic dermatitis: a study of its nature, origins and frequency

Background Topical corticosteroids remain the mainstay of atopic dermatitis therapy. Many atopic dermatitis therapeutic failures appear to be attributable to poor adherence to treatment due to topical corticosteroid phobia. Objectives To assess the facets, origins and frequency of fear of topical corticosteroid use among patients with atopic dermatitis. Methods A questionnaire comprising 69 items, generated from information gathered during interviews with 21 patients and 15 health professionals, was given to consecutive patients consulting at the outpatient dermatology departments of five regional university hospitals or with 53 dermatologists in private practice. Results A total of 208 questionnaires were analysed (including 144 from parents and 87 from adult patients, 27 of whom were also parents); 80·7% of the respondents reported having fears about topical corticosteroids and 36% admitted nonadherence to treatment. A correlation was found between topical corticosteroid phobia and the need for reassurance, the belief that topical corticosteroids pass through the skin into the bloodstream, a prior adverse event, inconsistent information about the quantity of cream to apply, a desire to self‐treat for the shortest time possible or poor treatment adherence. Topical corticosteroid phobia was not correlated with atopic dermatitis severity. Conclusion Topical corticosteroid phobia is a genuine and complex phenomenon, common among French patients with atopic dermatitis, that has an important impact on treatment compliance.     

The topical calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus in atopic dermatitis: a safety update

Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a relapsing and remitting course. For many decades,topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay therapy for atopic dermatitis. After the introduction of calcineurin inhibitors as a corticosteroid-free alternative, there were high expectations. After the black box warning from the FDA regarding the potential theoretical risk for developing neoplasia under treatment with calcineurin inhibitors, patients and physicians became uncertain about its safety, regardless of the fact that current scientific data do not support increased concern for risk of malignancy.     

Face‐masks for facial atopic eczema: Consider a hydrocolloid dressing

Facial involvement of atopic eczema in young children can be difficult to manage. Chronic scratching and rubbing, combined with parental reluctance to use topical corticosteroids on the face, often results in recalcitrant facial eczema. While wet wraps are a useful management option for moderate/severe atopic eczema involving the trunk and limbs they are difficult to use on the face. We describe the use of a face‐mask using a widely available adhesive hydrocolloid dressing (DuoDerm extra thin) in three children with recalcitrant facial atopic eczema. Symptomatic control of itch or soreness was obtained within hours and the facial atopic eczema was markedly improved by 7 days. The face‐masks were easy to apply, each lasting 1–4 days. One patient had a single adjuvant application of a potent topical corticosteroid under the hydrocolloid dressing. All three patients had long remissions (greater than 3 months) of their facial eczema, although all continued to have significant eczema involving their trunk and limbs. Face‐masks made from hydrocolloid dressings, with or without topical corticosteroids, are worth considering in children with recalcitrant facial eczema.     

Efficacy and safety of topical JTE‐052, a Janus kinase inhibitor,in Japanese adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: a phase II,multicentre randomized,vehicle‐controlled clinical study

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic, and sometimes debilitating, inflammatory skin disease which causes itching and damaged skin barrier function. Current treatments include topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus; unfortunately long‐term use of topical corticosteroids may cause thinning of the skin and tacrolimus can be irritant. Kinases are enzymes that are important to many roles of cells within the body, and the Janus Kinase (JAK) pathway plays a role in inflammation. In recent years, medicines that inhibit this pathway have been developed, with potential benefit in inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis. The authors, based in Tokyo and Hokkaido, Japan, studied the effect of different concentrations (0.5‐3%) of a topical JAK inhibitor, JTE‐052, in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, compared with the vehicle on its own (the ointment to which the medicine is added), and with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment. They used a modified Eczema Area and Severity Score before and after 4 weeks of treatment to allow them to see how well each of the treatments was working. In the patients using the 3% concentration there was 73% improvement in the score, compared with 12% using the placebo (vehicle) ointment. There was a 62% improvement in the patients using tacrolimus. Even the 3% concentration of JTE‐052 was very well tolerated, without the irritancy and burning seen with tacrolimus, and the patients using JTE‐052 noticed a reduction in itching within a day of starting treatment. The authors conclude that topical use of this JAK inhibitor is effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.     

Hypersensitivity to topical corticosteroids

Contact hypersensitivity from topical corticosteroids is becoming increasingly recognized; it is present in 2–5% of the patients attending contact dermatitis clinics. The use of a corticosteroid series containing tixocortal pivalate 1% (petrolatum), to detect hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, and other steroids 1% (ethanol), depending on local corticosteroid usage, detects the majority of cases of corticosteroid hypersensitivity. In selected cases, the use of intradermal tests further improves the diagnosis of corticosteroid hypersensitivity. Corticosteroid hypersensitivity occurs most frequently among patients with stasis dermatitis. However, corticosteroid hypersensitivity is also common in other types of dermatitis, occurring as frequently as hypersensitivity to several allergens (e.g. wool alcohols and colophony) in the European standard battery. Although hypersensitivity has mainly been reported with corticosteroids applied to the skin, reactions may also occur on mucosal surfaces, following systemic administration and with sex steroids.     

Effect of topical corticosteroids on human sebum production assessed by two different methods

Summary Topical corticosteroids are widely used in cutaneous diseases. Although their mode of action on different skin compartments has been documented, little is known about their effects on the human sebaceous gland. We investigated the effects of two corticosteroids of differing potency on the excretion of sebum by means of two validated techniques: the Sebutape and the Lipometre. This study was conducted on the forehead skin of normal healthy subjects. The results obtained with both techniques correlated well. The application of both corticosteroids during a 4-week period led to a significant decrease in sebum excretion. This decrease was more pronounced with the more potent corticosteroid (Dermovate). In the light of these findings, it is likely that topical corticosteroÏds exert an anti-proliferative action upon the sebaceous cells in a similar manner to their effect in other skin compartments     

Contact allergies to topical corticosteroids: 10 cases of contact dermatitis

Patients who noticed worsening of their skin disease after using topical corticosteroid preparations were patch tested both with the commercial preparation and the corticosteroid itself. Between 1987 and 1989, 10 cases of contact dermatitis due to topical corticosteroids were detected in this way. The corticosteroids wee amcinonide (2 patients), hydrocortisone butyrate, clobetasol propionate (2), betamethasone valerate (2), prednicarbate and fluocortolone (2). Patch tests with the commercial preparations and the corticosteroids themselves elicited reactions almost identical in time course and severity. Individual sensitivity seems to be more important for test results than test conditions. 9 of the 10 patients underwent further patch testing with a corticosteroid series. In 2 patients, a true cross-reaction between budesonide and hydrocortisone butyrate was found. All 9 patients showed further sensitivities to other corticosteroids. Most of the cross or concomitant reactions could be categorized into recently defined corticosteroid classes. To improve our understanding of corticosteroid sensitization, and to help the patient avoid reactions to other topical corticosteroids, a corticosteroid series should be patch tested in every case of corticosteroid sensitivity.     

Clinical management of atopic eczema with pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel) in paediatric patients

Atopic eczema is predominantly a disease of children and infants, and is often a significant burden for both the sufferer and the family. Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that has been developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. When applied twice daily, pimecrolimus has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in paediatric patients with mild to moderate atopic eczema, and appears to be particularly suitable for use on the face, the neck and skin folds. Reduction of pruritus or erythema can be seen within 48 hours of initiating treatment, and when used at the first signs or symptoms of recurrence, pimecrolimus can significantly reduce the incidence of flares and the amount of topical corticosteroid used. Long-term pimecrolimus therapy shows that the initial reduction of disease severity (Eczema Area and Severity Index) is sustained and that most patients have minimal residual disease at 2 years. The most common application-site reaction is a mild to moderate, transient, warm/burning sensation occurring in approximately 10% of patients. Blood concentrations of pimecrolimus following topical administration remain low in all patients. Currently there is no evidence for systemic adverse events, immune suppression or alterations in the vaccine response, after short-term or prolonged treatment. In conclusion, pimecrolimus is an effective treatment option for the short-term treatment and long-term control of atopic eczema in paediatric patients.     

Use of an Emollient As a Steroid-Sparing Agent in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis in Children

Abstract: The effectiveness of an emollient as an adjunct to topical corticosteroid therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis was studied for 3 weeks in 25 children 3 to 15 years of age in comparison with corticosteroid therapy alone. The adjunctive regimen of a once-daily application each of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream and of a water-in-oil cream was equivalent in efficacy to the comparative regimen of twice-daily applications of hydrocortisone 2.5% cream. Both treatment regimens elicited significant improvement in skin condition by day 7 (p < 0.005) and further significant improvement by day 14 (p < 0.005). No significant differences between the two treatment regimens were observed in the rates of improvement (p > 0.545) or in the reductions in mean lesion size (p > 0.9B). No differences were observed in parental evaluations, except for ease of application where a slight preference was expressed for the hydrocortisone 2.5% cream preparation (p < 0.038). We conclude that emollient adjunct i ve therapy offers a steroid-sparing alternative to topical corticosteroids alone in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.     

Efficacy,cutaneous tolerance and cosmetic acceptability of desonide 0.05% lotion (Desowen) versus vehicle in the short-term treatment of facial atopic or seborrhoeic dermatitis

The differences between topical corticosteroids are based mainly on their potency, safety and patient acceptability. The aim of this study was to evaluate a mild- to mid-potent topical corticosteroid, desonide 0.05%, on these three parameters in an Australian cohort of patients with facial seborrhoeic or atopic dermatitis. Eighty-one adult patients were randomized to receive desonide 0.05% lotion or its vehicle, applied twice daily for 3 weeks under double-blind conditions. In the active treatment group, 88% of patients had their skin condition cleared or almost cleared and only two patients experienced cutaneous adverse events (rash and pruritus). The acceptability of the lotion was high; 95% of patients stated they would use this topical corticosteroid again. These data support the short-term use of desonide 0.05% lotion as a suitable agent for the short-term treatment of facial dermatitis.     

Objective assessment of topical corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in methyl-nicotinate-induced skin inflammation

The aim of this study was to compare the activities of the two main classes of topical anti-inflammatory drugs in methyl-nicotinate-induced skin inflammation, using a new methodology based on laser-Doppler velocimetry. Six topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (bufexamac, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone and niflumic acid) and three topical corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate, hydrocortisone and hydrocortisone butyrate) were tested. Drugs were commercially available (except indomethacin) and were applied under occlusion for 4 h to the forearms of 16 healthy male volunteers. Thirty minutes after excess drug removal, skin inflammation was induced by a 1-min application of methyl nicotinate (3 mM). This was repeated 44 h later. Each methyl-nicotinate application was followed by continuous skin blood flow recordings over 1 h. Overall, NSAIDs proved more effective than corticosteroids in inhibiting methyl-nicotinate-induced increases in skin blood flow. Diclofenac and indomethacin showed a potent prolonged inhibitory effect. Different types of activity were observed in the corticosteroid group: (a) At 30 min, hydrocortisone and hydrocortisone butyrate moderately inhibited methyl-nicotinate reactions whereas clobetasol propionate produced no detectable effects; (b) at 44 h, clobetasol propionate produced a significant inhibition whereas hydrocortisone butyrate and hydrocortisone exhibited either weak or no inhibitory action at all. These pharmacodynamic discrepancies between the corticosteroids tested could be related to differences in drug affinity to cutaneous receptors and in vasoconstrictive potency.     

Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%) cream: a review of clinical efficacy and safety

Topical steroid creams and ointments have been available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications for the self treatment of acute dermatitis and other steroid responsive skin disorders for more than ten years. Despite earlier fears, widespread availability and use of these creams is not associated with clinically significant adverse effects. In dermatological practice, hydrocortisone 1% remains the mainstay of treatment for facial eczema, but it is often not effective in eczema affecting other body areas. Eumovate(TM) (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%) cream has recently been made available as a pharmacy medication for the short-term management of acute eczema and allergic dermatitis by adults and children aged 10 or older, based on evidence derived from clinical trials involving over 3500 patients. This review summarises the key efficacy and safety data derived from 29 clinical trials and the post-licensing pharmacovigilance safety information, which supported the reclassification of this product for OTC use. These data show clobetasone butyrate 0.05% is more effective than 1.0% hydrocortisone in the treatment of eczema and more effective than flurandrenolone 0.0125% (p=0.01%) and a potent topical steroid hydrocortisone butyrate (p<0.05), in the treatment of psoriasis. A review of the effect of topical steroids on skin thickness concluded that, following short term application, there was no clinically significant difference between hydrocortisone 1.0% and clobetasone butyrate 0.05% in terms of potential for skin thinning. Similarly, even under extreme conditions, clobetasone butyrate 0.05% has negligible systemic absorption and has almost no effect on HPA axis function.