The Efficacy of a Ceramide-based Cream in Mild-to-moderate Atopic Dermatitis

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine if a therapeutic cream containing PC-104 synthetic ceramides and other ingredients could help to ameliorate signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and other xerotic or pruritic dermatoses. Design: In this single-site, four-week study, subjects (n=50) were instructed to apply the study product three times daily to all affected areas, including a target site for evaluation and photography at baseline, Week 2, and Week 4 visits. Setting: This study took place in the private practice of the senior author. Participants: Eligible subjects with mild-to-moderate sensitive skin were included. Measurements: Evaluations included Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) scale score; subject satisfaction assessments; and noninvasive assessments of transepidermal water loss, increases in water content of the skin, and improvements in skin smoothness. Results: Use of the ceramide cream resulted in a 100-percent improvement in IGA scores and a 67-percent improvement in overall subject skin assessment scores after four weeks of use in individuals with sensitive skin conditions. Improvements were statistically significant. Statistically significant improvements were also observed in transepidermal water loss, water content of the skin, and skin smoothness. Adverse events were not observed. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that a proprietary combination of ceramide PC-104, palmitamide MEA, glycerrhetinic acid, and grape seed extract in a glycerin, dimethicone, and petrolatum vehicle was effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and other types of pruritic dermatoses (e.g., senile itch, cosmetic intolerance syndrome) in children and adults.