Instrumental and dermatologist evaluation of the effect of glycerine and urea on dry skin in atopic dermatitis

Background/aims: Moisturising creams are useful treatment adjuncts in infla mmatory dermatoses and have beneficial effects in the treatment of dry, sca ly skin. The effects on dryness and skin permeability of a new moisturising cream with 20% glycerine was compared with its placebo and with a medicina lly authorised cream with 4% urea (combined with 4% sodium chloride) in the treatment of dry skin. Methods: Patients (n=109) with atopic dermatitis were treated for 30 days w ith a moisturiser in a randomised, parallel and double-blind fashion. Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance were assessed instrumental ly, and changes in the dryness of the skin were assessed by the dermatologi st. Results: No difference in TEWL was found between glycerine treatment and it s placebo, whereas a lower value was found in the urea-treated area compare d to the glycerine-treated area. No difference in skin capacitance was foun d. The clinical assessment of dryness showed urea to be superior to glyceri ne in treating the condition. Conclusions: Moisturising creams are different, not only with respect to co mposition but also with respect to their influence on skin as a barrier to water in patients with atopic dermatitis.