Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Dexpanthenol-containing creams have been widely used for treatment of lesions (superficial wounds) of the skin and mucous membranes. Dexpanthenol is converted in tissues to pantothenic acid, a component of coenzyme A. Coenzyme A catalyses early steps in the synthesis of fatty acids and sphingolipids which are of crucial importance for stratum corneum lipid bilayers and cell membrane integrity.

AIM:

In the present study, the effects were examined of a dexpanthenol-containing cream on skin barrier repair, stratum corneum hydration, skin roughness, and inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)-induced irritation.

METHODS:

Irritation was induced by application of SLS in patch test chambers. The dexpanthenol-contaming cream or the vehicle were applied twice daily and barrier repair, hydration, roughness, and inflammation of the skin were determined by using biophysical methods.

RESULTS:

Significantly accelerated skin barrier repair was found in treatments with the dexpanthenol-containing cream (verum) compared with vehicle-treated (placebo) or untreated skin. Both verum and placebo showed an increase in stratum corneum hydration, but significantly more so with the dexpanthenol-containing cream. Both creams reduced skin roughness, but again the verum was superior. The dexpanthenol-containing cream significantly reduced skin redness as a sign of inflammation in contrast to the vehicle, which produced no effect.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with a dexpanthenol-containing cream showed significantly enhanced skin barrier repair and stratum corneum hydration, while reducing skin roughness and inflammation.

• Authors: E Proksch, H P Nissen
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 173-8 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 0954-6634 [Print] England
• PMID: 19753737 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Surface-Active Agents
• Pantothenic Acid
• dexpanthenol
• Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Dermatitis, Irritant (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pantothenic Acid (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
• Surface-Active Agents
• Water Loss, Insensible
• Wound Healing
• Young Adult