Either transepidermal water loss rates or stratum corneum hydration levels can predict quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis

Importance:Patients with atopic dermatitis(AD)display compromised epidermal barrier and suffer from poor quality of life.We hypothesized that quality of life could reflect in the changes in the epidermal barrier function.Objective:To determine whether the epidermal barrier function correlates with the severity of pruritus and/or life quality in children with AD.Methods:A total of 120 children,aged 0-12 years,with moderate AD were enrolled.Children were topically treated with topical corticosteroids(TCS)and an emollient for 2 weeks.The Eczema Area and Severity Index(EASI),visual analogue scale(VAS)for pruritus severity,the Infant’s Dermatitis Quality of Life Index(IDQOL)and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index(CDLQI)were evaluated.Transepidermal water loss(TEWL)rates,stratum corneum(SC)hydration,and skin surface pH were measured.Correlations of epidermal barrier function with pruritus,life quality,and EASI were determined.Results:Following 2-week treatments,significant improvements were observed in EASI,TEWL,SC hydration,the VAS of pruritus,as well as DQOL(P<0.001 for all).TEWL positively,while SC hydration negatively correlated with VAS pruritus,DQOL,and EASI(P<0.001).Interpretation:Both TEWL and SC hydration levels can serve as indicators of the severity of pruritus and quality of life in children with AD.

Extraction Process Optimization and Moisturizing Performance of Fucoidan from Sargassum fusiforme

[Objectives] The research aimed to optimize extraction process of fucoidan from Sargassum fusiforme( FSF) and study its moisturizing performance. [Methods]Extracting condition of FSF by cellulase hydrolysis-ultrasonic assisted extraction method was optimized. The influences of solvent p H,enzyme dosage,extraction temperature,cellulose hydrolysis time,ultrasonication time,and the ratio of material to liquid on FSF were investigated by single factor and orthogonal experiments. [Results] The optimum extraction conditions were as followings:p H,4. 5; enzyme dosage,1%; extraction temperature,40℃; cellulose hydrolysis time,2 h; ultrasonic time,15 min; and the ratio of material to liquid,1∶ 10( g∶ m L). Under the optimal condition,the extraction yield of FSF was 8. 50%,RSD = 2. 74%. The short-time hygroscopicity( within 8 h) of crude extract of fucoidan from S. fusiforme( CEFSF) was better than glycerin,butanediol,and sodium alginate,and the moisture retention capacity of 1% CEFSF aqueous solution was better than 1% butanediol or 1% sodium alginate,and was equal to 5% glycerin under relative humidity of 43% and 81%. The determination results of skin moisture content and transepidermal water loss rate( TEWL)showed that: 5% CEFSF solution had good moisturizing effect. [Conclusions]The research could provide certain reference for deep development of S. fusiforme.

Analysis and Comparison of Cleaning Power and Moisturizing Effect of Different Shower Gels

To analyze and compare the cleaning power and moisturizing effect of different shower gels.Choose six types of shower gel,soap-based shower gel 1,soap-based shower gel 2,amino acid shower gel 1,amino acid shower gel 2,cream shower gel 1,cream shower gel 2.Control clinical studies,using the left and right arms for comparison.Apply special grease on the selected area on the forearm’s flexion side,before and after applying the grease and after cleaning with shower gel,use Sebumeter SM815 for skin oil detection.Use shower gel on the other area on the forearm flexion side.Use Corneometer CM825 and Tewameter TM300 before and after cleaning.The moisture content of the stratum corneum and the amount of water loss through the epidermis were detected.Analyze the change rate of skin oil,stratum corneum moisture content,and transepidermal water loss,analyze and compare the cleansing and moisturizing effects of six shower gels of different systems.Results:After using the six shower gels to clean,the skin oil was significantly reduced while the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the amount of transepidermal water loss changed to different degrees.Layer moisture content and transepidermal water loss have varying degrees of influence.Conclusion:Amino acid shower gels and cream shower gels are stronger than soap-based shower gels in terms of moisturizing ability,and at the same time show similar effects to soap-based shower gels in terms of cleansing ability.

Therapeutic Benefits of Natural Ingredients for Atopic Dermatitis

Although a variety of regimens are available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis（AD）, severe adverse reactions and unpopular costs often limit their usage. In contrast, certain inexpensive, naturally-occurring ingredients are proven effective for AD with fewer side effects. The beneficial effects of these ingredients can be attributed to inhibition of cytokine and chemokine expression, IgE production, inflammatory cell infiltration, histamine release, and/or the enhancement of epidermal permeability barrier function. Since herbal medicines are widely available, inexpensive and generally safe, they could be valuable alternatives for the treatment of AD, particularly for those patients who are not suitable for the utilization of immune modulators. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic benefits of natural ingredients for the treatment of AD and the mechanisms of their actions.