The steroid-sparing effect of an Emollient APDDR-0801 in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background: Defective skin barrier function is a well recognized feature in atopic dermatitis (AD) and causes symptoms such as xerosis, pruritus and erythematous lesions. Since moisturizers can strengthen a defective skin barrier and reduce the usage of corticosteroid cream, the choice of moisturizer is very significant for AD patients. Objective: This study was done to compare the steroid-sparing effects of a ceramide-containing moisturizer, APDDR-0801, with a control moisturizer without ceramide, for relieving symptoms associated with AD. Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blinded 6-week study was conducted. Patients with mild to moderate AD topically applied APDDR-0801 or the control moisturizer on the whole body for 6 weeks. They also applied corticosteroid cream (Zemaderm®) on the lesion twice daily for 6 weeks. The amount of corticosteroid used was measured by weighing the tubes. Disease severity was evaluated by eczema severity, area index (EASI), and investigator global assessment (IGA). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance were also measured. Results: Of the 40 patients enrolled, 32 completed the protocol. The mean age was (12.95±1.92) and the average baseline EASI score was (10.45±1.17). EASI score, IGA, TEWL and skin capacitance improved in both groups at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Compared to the control group, the amount of steroid cream used at 3 weeks and 6 weeks decreased by 0.14 g (?18.78%) and 0.76 g (?7.46%), respectively, in the test group. The difference was larger in patients with moderate AD. The consumption of steroids was lower in the test group at 3 weeks [2.65 g (?34.64%)] and at 6 weeks [2.60 g (?19.38%)], respectively. Conclusion: The moisturizer APDDR-0801 (Atobarrier cream®) which contains physiologic lipid granules including ceramide, has superior steroid-sparing effects than moisturizers without ceramide.