Lipid vesicular nanocarriers for the management of atopic dermatitis: a paradigm shift in healing

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurring and non-contiguous dermatological condition that impacts a huge global population. Pruritus, inflammation, numerous eczematous lesions, and an unpredictable progression are the hallmark characteristics of this dermatological complication. Despite its multifactorial and incompletely comprehended pathophysiology, AD appears from a combined cause of environmental and genetic factors that lead to epidermal barrier integrity, oxidative stress, and immune system imbalance at both the skin and systemic levels.

The lipid nanocarrier (LN), referred to as the vesicular system, has become a focal point of interest among researchers striving to develop novel formulations that improve therapeutic efficacy, avoid off-target effects, prevent premature drug degradation, and increase the safety profile of drugs by different surface modification methods. Hence, LNs are categorized into hard-LNs with hardened surfaces and soft-LNs that can alter their size during distribution in the body for delivering both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs topically.

In the last two decades, numerous clinical studies have clearly shown the therapeutic relevance of specialized LNs and hybrid systems for effectively managing AD and halting its progression with improved quality of patient life, supporting the therapeutic superiority of advanced LN-mediated interventions compared to traditional treatment modalities.