DermaSilk in long-term control of infantile atopic dermatitis: a double blind randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by severe itching, skin dryness, blistering and remittent-relapse course. The critical feature is a skin barrier dysfunction that leads to epidermal inflammation and to bacterial superinfection. The aim of our study is to assess the usefulness of DermaSilk in reducing dermatitis relapses, in infants affected by atopic dermatitis, previously treated with topical corticosteroid and, if needed, with antibiotics. METHODS: This is a double blind randomized study involving 22 infants, aged 4 to 18 months, affected by atopic dermatitis. Disease severity has been evaluated by the SCORAD Index. To achieve a complete remission, acute phases were managed following international guidelines. Subsequently, infants were randomized to either wear a set of DermaSilk body and tights (group A), or wear clothes in pure cotton (group B) for 24 months with the exception of the warmer months (from mid-May to mid-September). RESULTS: The use of topical steroid per month was significantly lower in the DermaSilk group compared to the cotton group (P=0.006). The subjective evaluation reflecting itching reduction was also statistically significant (P=0.014). CONCLUSION: This study shows that DermaSilk products can reduce relapses in infants with eczema during the maintenance phase and play a pivotal role in itching control, improving the quality of life of children and their family.