Pilot study of patient satisfaction with nonfluorinated topical steroids compared with a topical immunomodulator in atopiform dermatitis.

摘要

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.