polidocanol and Eczema

Pruritus is associated with various skin diseases, dry skin, and with it an impaired skin barrier function. The study objective was to investigate short-term and long-term effects of two emollients on symptoms and skin barrier functions in xerotic eczema. Randomized, double-blind, study enrolling females/males, with bilateral itching. Two emollients, containing lactic acid and refined almond oil with/without polidocanol were administered on left versus right body sides. Itching severity, skin moisture, lipid content, and pH were assessed on Day 1, within 30-120 min after first administration, and on Days 7 and 14, and compared with baseline assessments. Severity of itching decreased 30 min after first administration of both emollients compared with baseline (p < .0001) and reached a maximum reduction of 63% (p < .0001) and 69% (p < .0001) on Day 14. Skin moisture and lipid content increased after first application, and further ameliorated within 14 days of treatment (p < .0001). Both emollients were tolerated well, and only a few adverse events were reported. This study confirmed the clinical efficacy of the two study emollients to substantially reduce itching already after first administration, and restore skin barrier integrity and thus should be considered as therapeutic approach for xerotic eczema.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Eczema; Emollients; Female; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Middle Aged; Plant Oils; Polidocanol; Pruritus; Skin; Switzerland; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

In an open multicentre drug monitoring survey, 1611 patients with atopic dermatitis, contact eczema, dry eczema, psoriasis and pruritus were treated with a preparation containing 5% urea and 3% polidocanol (laurylmacrogol). To monitor the course of treatment, three examinations were performed, one at the start of therapy and two more at intervals of approximately two weeks. A marked improvement in the status of the skin was observed during treatment. A marked regression occurred in the principal signs of dry skin--scaling, dryness and roughness. Troublesome itching was also greatly reduced. Almost half of the patients (48.9%) were free of itching at the end of the observation period. Adverse drug effects arose in only 2.8% of cases, and were mostly smarting, itching and irritation. No intolerance reactions were observed in children under six years. At the end of the observation period the skin status was judged, by both the doctors and the patients as 'good' or 'very good' in almost 90% of cases. Furthermore, the assessment with regard to the regression of itching was almost identical.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Atopic; Drug Combinations; Eczema; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Polidocanol; Polyethylene Glycols; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; Pruritus; Psoriasis; Urea