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THURSDAYOctober 14OPEN SESSION4:35 – 4:55Click here to return to Dermatology Update 2004 Schedule and Abstracts |
Andre Rougier Therapy of AD is aimed at counteracting the itching, the inflammatory and immunological changes, and the complications of the disease, as well as reducing dryness. As the barrier function of the skin in patients with AD is impaired, an adjuvant basic therapy is essential in the management of this disease consisting of the regular application of adequate moisturizers. Dry skin characterizes almost always AD. Hard water and detergents can dry the skin of AD patients Some treatments for AD can dry the skin. Emollients can reduce the need of treatments and their related side effects. Barrier defects of AD can be restored with emollients. Lipid ingredients of cream bases either prevent loss of skin lipids or attempt to replace them in their function. Different classes of moisturisers are based on their mechanism of action, including occlusives, humectants, emollients and protein rejuve-nators. Patients may be prescribed different moisturizers depending on their particular preference, their age and their type of eczema. Emollients keep the skin hydrated and can reduce itching. They should be applied regularly at least twice during the day, even when there are no symptoms of disease and should also be applied after swimming or bathing. An international multicentric study was performed on 131 children aged 3-12 years with light to moderate AD. Children were treated twice daily with an emollient containing shea butter, glycerin, canola oil , thermal water for 6 weeks. During the study, subjects were asked: avoid other body care or hydrating products, cosmeceuticals,…, to use their usual body hygiene product(s) (soap, syndets, etc), to avoid UV rays exposure, natural or artificial. A class IV topical corticosteroid (weak) was allowed on a skin surface < 5%, but the use of antihistamines was prohibited . The overall clinical efficacy was assessed by the dermatologist by the mean of SCORAD at day –3, O and 46 as well as tolerance. The parents and children opinions on various items were also recorded. Results showed that after 6 weeks erythema, dryness, pruritus, extention were reduced by 40 to 60% and SCORAD by 50%. Global efficacy and tolerance were found good and excellent by the dermatologist in 76 to 86% of the cases. The skin was found to itch less, hurt less, to be less red and less dry by 80 to 95 % of the parents and children. The quality of sleep was improved in 83 % of the cases. Click here to return to Dermatology Update 2004 Schedule and Abstracts |