Use of polyhexamethylene biguanide in the treatment of atopic dermatitis with Staphylococcus aureus hypercolonization

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with significant global prevalence. Clinically, AD is characterized by xerosis, intense pruritus, and recurrent eczematous lesions. The pathogenesis of AD is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and dysbiosis. These factors collectively increase susceptibility to infections in patients with AD. AD lesions are frequently colonized by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. An important aspect of Staphylococcus spp is the propensity to form biofilms that exhibit enhanced resistance to antibiotics and host immune responses.

This report describes 2 cases of AD associated with biofilm formation that was successfully treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).

This report highlights the potential of PHMB in the treatment of AD lesions and biofilm reduction.