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Pilot study of patient satisfaction with nonfluorinated topical steroids compared with a topical immunomodulator in atopiform dermatitis
Author(s) -
Burkhart Craig N.,
Burkhart Craig G.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02118.x
Subject(s) - medicine , tacrolimus , atopic dermatitis , dermatology , topical steroid , medical prescription , patient satisfaction , allergy , surgery , pharmacology , transplantation , immunology
Background There is clinical uncertainty concerning the effectiveness of the new topical immunomodulators vs. the conventional use of topical steroids for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Objectives To assess patient satisfaction with these two prescription topical remedies for atopic eczema. Methods In an open‐label, 2‐week, comparative study, 10 patients demonstrating atopiform dermatitis were given tacrolimus and 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate in a 70% oil‐in‐water base to apply to the eczema on opposite sides of the body. After 2 weeks of applying the agents twice daily to their respective sides of the body surface, the study subjects completed a 12‐question survey to assess their opinions of the two products. Results There was a preference for the nonfluorinated topical steroid over tacrolimus in this cursory head‐to‐head study. There were no withdrawals from the study or side‐effects reported with either product. Conclusions Trials of short duration with small numbers of patients do not adequately inform practitioners regarding the use of these topical remedies. However, the higher satisfaction of patients with 0.1% hydrocortisone buyrate in a 70% oil‐in‐water base over tacrolimus certainly warrants further investigation.