In vivo evaluation of a Poly-2p® barrier cream protective effect

AIM: Theoretically, skin barrier creams reduce or even prevent the penetration into the skin by building up a physical barrier, like a thin film between the skin and the irritant. Practically, controversial experiences concerning the effectiveness of barrier creams exist. For this, we propose an in vivo method to evaluate the efficacy of barrier creams trough clinical scoring and instrumental analysis. METHODS: Nineteen housewives with hand dermatitis in remission phase were enrolled in the study. Every patient was evaluated clinically and an arbitrary score was assigned by the investigator considering erythema, exudation, lichenification and xerosis. A score was also assigned by every patient to itching and burning. As measurement of the functional state of the skin and of the effectiveness of the barrier cream, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometry, colorimetry and visco-elasticity determination were performed. To investigate the protection properties against irritant products, the 24-h irritancy patch test with sodium lauryl sulphate 1% in water was used. RESULTS: Through the patch test technique the efficacy of the barrier cream was tested compared to other topical products containing corticosteroids, lipids, humectants or urea, with already known anti-inflammatory, lenitive or protective properties. The results showed this methods easy and fast in handling, non-invasive, standardized, and in vivo applicable for evaluation and ranking of barrier creams. CONCLUSION: The study preparation demonstrated high tolerability and indubitable efficacy in improving the skin barrier function even towards a very well known irritant.