Ceramide- and Keratolytic-containing Body Cleanser and Cream Application in Patients with Psoriasis: Outcomes from a...

Background: Ceramides are epidermal lipids that play an essential role in stratum corneum function, including maintaining physiologic permeability barrier properties. The role of ceramides in the maintenance and repair of epidermal barrier function is believed to be valuable in the treatment of psoriasis. Normalization of corneocyte desquamation and the incorporation of agents that promote desquamation to reduce hyperkeratosis are also regarded as key factors in psoriasis management. Objective: We sought to evaluate the benefits of two formulations (CeraVe® Body Cleanser [Cer-PSO-BCl] and CeraVe® Body Cream [Cer-PSO-Cr]), containing ceramides, salicylic acid, and urea in patients with a history of psoriasis, including those with mild-to-moderate psoriatic flares. Methods: This was a two-center customer usage study involving 33 male and female subjects, 18 years of age or older, with a history of mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Cer-PSO-Cr was applied liberally wherever psoriasis was present twice a day for two weeks. Cer-PSO-BCl was recommended for use twice a week. Product attributes, performance of individual test products, and use of this combination regimen (favorable or unfavorable) were assessed using a self-assessment questionnaire at Week 2. Results: Overall, 72.7 and 75.8 percent of patients with psoriasis reported the Cer-PSO-Cr alone or Cer-PSOCr/Cer-PSO-BCl regimen improved the appearance of their skin. For the cleanser, 97.0 percent reported it rinsed clean with no unpleasant residue. For cream and cleanser together, 84.8 percent reported it provided relief of psoriasis, and 90.9 percent reported that their skin felt soft and smooth. Conclusions: Based on results reported by the study patients, the evaluated ceramide/keratolytic-containing cream and cleanser both yielded a high level of patient acceptance regarding improvement in skin characteristics in patients with psoriasis, including when used as a combination adjunctive regimen.