Testing the Actions of a Multi-action Emollient: Patient’s Acceptability Determines Product Efficacy

AIM: Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is associated with itch, sleep disturbance, impaired life quality, reduced skin hydration, impaired epidermal barrier function and colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (SA). We investigated an emollient with claimed multi-actions on barrier repair, antihistaminergic and antimicrobial effects. METHODS: Consecutive AD patients were recruited. Swabs and cultures from eczematous areas, disease severity (SCOring Atopic Dermatitis score: SCORAD), quality-of-life (Children Dermatology Life Quality Index, CDLQI), Skin Hydration (SH), and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) were obtained before and 4-week following usage of the emollient. Global or General Acceptability of Treatment (GAT) was obtained (as very good, good, fair or poor). RESULTS: 30 AD patients were recruited. 73% reported "very good" or "good", whereas 27% reported "fair" or "poor" GAT of the emollient. Following the use of the multi-action emollient, area affected, disease intensity and severity significantly improved, especially in the very good/good group (p=0.006-0.035). There was no significant improvement of itch or sleep scores, quality of life, SH, TEWL, S. aureus colonization status, or use of topical treatments. When compared with the historical data of another product, there was no statistical difference between the two creams. CONCLUSION: The emollient is acceptable in nearly three-quarter of AD patients. Patients that accept the moisturizer have less area affected, disease intensity and severity than the non-accepting counterparts following its usage. Despite claim for multi-action, there were no appreciable quality-oflife, anti-itch, skin barrier, and anti-microbial effects.