Journal of

Background and Aim: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, pruritic skin disease more common in infancy and childhood. Emollients, topical corticosteroids, and avoidance of irritating factors are the mainstay of its treatment, but fear of side effects has limited the use of topical corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in the treatment of AD.
Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, 76 patients with AD older than 2 years were randomly allocated in two groups and treated with either tacrolimus 0.03% ointment (Abu-Rayhan Co., Iran) or placebo, twice a day for 6 weeks. Responses to treatment were compared every 2 weeks using SCORAD.
Results: Twenty-nine patients in tacrolimus group and 26 in placebo group completed the trial. The reduction in SCORAD after 2 and 4 weeks in tacrolimus group was significantly higher than placebo group (P<0/05). The frequency of treatment-induced pruritus and burning sensation was similar in both groups but erythema was more observed in the placebo group (P<0/05).
Conclusion: Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment is more effective than placebo in the treatment of AD.

Background and Aim: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is caused by an inflammatory process stimulated by Th2 cells. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is associated with an increase in sebum secretion, unusual pilosebaceous keratinization and an increased inflammatory immune response. Propionibacterium acne can induce IL-17 production and Th1/Th17 response. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in patients with acne.

Methods: In this case-control study, the case group consisted of 75 individuals with acne and the control group consisted of 75 individuals without acne matched in age and gender. Both groups were interviewed for atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms in the past and present. 

Results: Prevalence of atopic dermatitis at present in patients who had acne was significantly lower than those who did not have acne. There was no significant difference between case and control groups in frequency of atopic dermatitis in the past and frequency of asthma and allergic rhinitis in the present and past time.

Conclusion: The inverse relationship between prevalence of acne and atopic dermatitis can be related to activation of different immune responses (Th1 versus Th2), but more studies should be done to confirm this relationship.

Background and Aim: In order to overcome the local side effects of the conventional treatments for atopic dermatitis, a new attitude regarding alternative treatments would be needed, which herbal medicines are promising approachs in this case.
 

Methods: It was a 4-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (16 women and 4 men) aged 39.95±11.04 years. The severity scoring of atopic dermatitis was determined based on total & local SCORAD. skin biophisical parameters including TEWL ,skin hydration, pH, temperature, sebum and skin erythema were also measured after 2 and 4 weeks application of the study product. Participants’ satisfaction as well as tolerability of the product were assessed by monitoring the adverse effects.
 

Results: A significant improvement was detected in LOCAL and TOTAL SCORAD at weeks 2 and 4 (P<0.01). The intensity of burning and pruritus also showed a significant decrease at weeks 2 and 4 (P<0.01). A significant increase in the skin hydration was shown at weeks 2 and 4 after treatment (P<0.01). 84.1% and 78.9% of participants described their skin lesions as "improved" or "much improved", 2 and 4 weeks after treatment respectively.
 

Conclusion: The test cream containing oats and chamomile extract is considered a safe and effective product for improving mild to moderate lesions of atopic dermatitis.