Efficacy of a barrier cream and its vehicle as protective measures againstoccupational irritant contact dermatitis

The actual advantage of barrier creams over bland emollients for skin prote ction is still hotly debated. In a randomized, double-blinded study, a newl y-introduced barrier cream and its moisturizing vehicle were compared regar ding their skin compatibility, efficacy and resulting acceptance. Thus, 2 p anels of 25 hospital nurses with mild signs of skin irritation were asked t o use 1 of the test products provided (verum or vehicle) over a period of 4 weeks. Effects of both types of preparations were studied weekly by clinic al examination and the instrumental assessment of bioengineering parameters . Results showed no significant differences between barrier cream and vehic le. In both groups, clinical skin status improved and stratum corneum hydra tion increased significantly during the study period. Both preparations wer e tolerated and accepted well, thus showing both skin protection and skin c are. These results contribute to the debate as to whether a strict distinct ion between "skin care" and "skin protection" products is justified. The ve hicle alone is capable of positively influencing skin status. Emphasis must be laid on regular, frequent, and correct application of a product for it to be effective.