Randomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin lesion in children. Topical corticosteroid is the mainstay of treatment.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing licochalcone A (LicA) and 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of mild to moderate childhood AD.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

This was a multicenter randomized, prospective, split-side, double-blind study in 55 children between the age of three months and 14 years. Patients with AD were treated twice daily, simultaneously with either Lic A or 1% hydrocortisone on opposite sides of the lesion. The SCORAD and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed at the baseline, 2-week, and 4-week visits. Lic A was used on both sides of the body for another four weeks to see the effects and TEWL.

RESULTS:

In a randomized period, both products were equally effective in the treatment. SCORAD decreased significantly from baseline for both treatments throughout the first four weeks (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in SCORAD between both treatments (p = 0.321 and p = 0.146 at week 2 and 4, respectively). Lic A had statistically significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.027 and p = 0.03 at weeks 2 and 4, respectively). One patient had infection on skin lesions of both sides of the body. Forty-three patients continued to the period of using Lic A on both sides of the body. SCORAD and TEWL were comparable to the end of the randomized period and significantly lower from baseline (p < 0.001). Skin lesions flared up in three patients (7.5%).

CONCLUSION:

Lic A had a similar result in terms of SCORAD compared to 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of mild and moderate AD. TEWL was significantly lower than baseline on the side that used Lic A. Continuing use of Lic A for four weeks can maintain clinical and barrier improvement.

• Authors: Siriwan Wananukul, Susheera Chatproedprai, Amornsri Chunharas, Wanida Limpongsanuruk, Srisupalak Singalavanija, Rattanawalai Nitiyarom, Wanee Wisuthsarewong
• Journal: Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet (J Med Assoc Thai) Vol. 96 Issue 9 Pg. 1135-42 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 0125-2208 [Print] Thailand
• PMID: 24163988 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Chalcones
• Drug Combinations
• Emollients
• Glucocorticoids
• licochalcone A
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Chalcones (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatitis, Atopic (drug therapy)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Combinations
• Emollients (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Infant
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Water Loss, Insensible (drug effects)