The Effect of Topical 5% Dexpanthenol on Transepidermal Water Loss Values and Skin Ph in Patients With a History of Atopic Dermatitis

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing skin disease with epithelial barrier dysfunction characterized by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and disruption of the skin acidification process. Use of moisturizers is the main therapy in AD. Petrolatum is proven effective, however its sticky nature may affect patients’ adherence. Dexpanthenol is a potential alternative to address this concern.Objective: To determine the effectiveness of topical 5% dexpanthenol in reducing TEWL and pH values in patients with a history of atopic dermatitis. Methods: Double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted with consecutive sampling. Subjects were randomized to receive either topical 5% Dexpanthenol or 100% Petrolatum twice daily for 4 weeks. TEWL and pH was measured on baseline and end of study. Results: A total of 26 subjects were included, randomized into two groups (n=13). After 4 weeks, delta TEWL of petrolatum group was significantly lower than 5% dexpanthenol [-5.19 ± 0.75 vs -7.58 ± 0.37 (p<0.001)]. Delta pH of petrolatum group was also significantly lower compared to dexpanthenol [-0.33 ± 0.03 vs -0.68 ± 0.08 (p<0.001)]. All subjects in the petrolatum group complaints of sticky and greasy, whereas all subjects in the dexpanthenol group reported no complaints (p=0.000). Conclusion: Topical 5% dexpanthenol is effective in reducing TEWL and pH values in patients with history of atopic dermatitis compared to topical 100% petrolatum. Dexpanthenol was well accepted with no reported complaints.