Efficacy Evaluation of an Oil-in-Water Emulsion (Dermoflan) in Atopic Dermatitis

Sir, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic disorder clinically characterized by erythematous, often scaling, macules, patches, papules and plaques that become licheni® ed, excoriated and crusted. The prevalence of AD has substantially increased during past decades, and has resulted in a signi® cant economic burden on the Health Service and on families of affected children (1). Diagnosis of AD is based on physical examination as well as family and patient history of allergic asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis (2). Although clinical manifestations vary with age, they may be present in any combination depending on a complex relationship among genetic, immunologic, pharmacologic and emotional factors. A variety of topical therapies are currently available for treatment of AD (3, 4), although corticosteroids are likely one of the most used therapeutic approaches. A short-term treatment and the use of low potency steroids, particularly in children, are usually recommended because of their well-known side effects. Emollients can be employed as ® rst-line treatment in mild AD either alone or as steroid-sparing agents, or as adjuncts to systemic therapy in severe AD (5 ± 7). The main function of emollients is to improve the skin barrier function, thus preventing irritant or allergic dermatitis. The objective of our study was to examine the ef® cacy of an oil-in-water (O/W) emollient (Dermo an1) in patients with AD, as assessed by evaluation of SCORAD index, hydration and pH of the skin.