Abstract
PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis is characterized by chronic inflammation and dryness accompanied by severe itching. The combined use of moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory drugs is essential for alleviating atopic dermatitis. We have developed a topical anti-inflammatory drug with a steroid and a moisturizer with heparinoid, both in lamellar structure-based formulations containing synthetic pseudo-ceramides. Here, assessed the efficacy of this combination in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. METHODS: We included 22 patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and subjected them to a seven-week treatment with the test formulations, followed by a four-week post-treatment period. RESULTS: Clinical findings and the quality of life of participants remarkably improved after one week of treatment. Furthermore, skin hydration and transepidermal water loss considerably improved at weeks one and three, respectively. The Cer [NP]/[NS] ratio, an indicator of epidermal turnover, substantially increased during the treatment period and remained elevated even thereafter. The improvement in stratum corneum function was distinctive in participants with lower barrier function. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that the combined use of the anti-inflammatory drug and moisturizer, both in lamellar structure-based formulations, is effective in treating atopic dermatitis in patients with fragile barrier function.