New Emollient Cream Dexeryl(R) Preferred By Patients With Ichthyosis And Eczema

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Eczema / Psoriasis
Article Date: 20 Aug 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Dexeryl® cream, a new topical emollient and moisturising cream from Pierre Fabre Dermatologie is launched today. It has been shown to be effective but, importantly, patients significantly prefer using Dexeryl (p < 0.001).1 Dry skin conditions like ichthyosis and eczema are hugely prevalent in the UK with atopic eczema affecting a fifth of school-age children.2 In many cases, atopic eczema is associated with ichthyosis;3,4 a distressing condition involving continual widespread scaling of the skin.5

The impact of atopic eczema and ichthyosis on quality of life can be considerable; leading to time lost from work or school; impacting social relationships and also increasing anxiety, depression and other psychological problems.2,6 For the majority of people with atopic eczema and ichthyosis, their mainstay treatment will involve regular daily application of emollient.2 An emollient works by moisturising the skin, which is important to maintain the skin's natural barrier; reducing skin perspiration; keeping irritants or disease out and preventing painful cracking.2

"One of the key skin treatments in looking after eczema and ichthyosis is to use emollients as often as possible; they are the foundation on which all additional treatment is based. However, the most important consideration is whether the patient finds the emollient recommended by their physician acceptable to use. The most greasy that is tolerated should be used and this may vary during the day so that a lighter cream may be more appropriate for daytime use and a greasier one at night. Sticky, messy or difficult-to-apply emollients will simply not be used as often as they should be so the patient's skin condition can easily get out of control," comments Dr David Paige, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board to the Ichthyosis Support Group.

"Ichthyosis varies enormously across and within the different types; it is therefore very important for sufferers to have a choice of emollients which are appropriate to the severity of their condition." Ichthyosis Support Group.

Bao-Tam Phan, a pharmacist and UK Marketing & Training Manager at Pierre Fabre Dermatologie, the manufacturers of Dexeryl comments on Dexeryl's formulation: "The combination of glycerol, which improves the stratum corneum elasticity and white, soft paraffin and liquid paraffin in Dexeryl offers a highly acceptable non-sticky and non-greasy formulation, which patients in our trials significantly prefer."

Dexeryl is available in 250g tubes and is fully reimbursed and available on prescription; the NHS price is £3.16. Product is available through Unichem, Phoenix, Mawdsley Brookes and K Waterhouse wholesalers.

About ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is the term used to describe continual and widespread scaling of the skin. It may be inherited (genetic) or acquired during life. The inherited forms are rare and are generally present from infancy and are usually lifelong conditions. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the commonest form of inherited ichthyosis affecting one in every 250 people. It is usually quite mild and develops in early childhood with fine, light grey scales and roughness on the arms and legs. It may be more widespread and is more obvious in the winter time and in temperate climates. It is sometimes associated with atopic or childhood allergic eczema and may cause an increased wrinkling of the palms and soles. It can be improved with regular application of moisturisers.3

About atopic eczema

Atopic eczema is a dry, itchy inflammation of the skin. The words 'eczema' and 'dermatitis' are interchangeable Atopic eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face, but the areas most commonly affected are the bends of the elbows, around the knees, and around the wrists and neck. These are known as 'flexural' areas. It affects both sexes equally and usually starts in the first weeks or months of life. It is most common in children, affecting at least 10% of infants, although it can carry on into adult life or come back in the teenage or early adult years. The treatments used most often are moisturisers, and topical steroid creams or ointments.7

About Dexeryl®

Dexeryl combines Glycerol, which improves the stratum corneum elasticity, with white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin, which act as an emollient and helps restore the skin barrier. This combination helps to reduce skin perspiration, enhances moisturising and improves the skin barrier function helping therefore to help to reduce irritating itching and pruritus phenomena. Patient should apply a thin layer of cream to the skin once or twice daily, or more if needed. The safety, efficacy, and acceptability of Dexeryl®, was evaluated compared to gelified glycerol, a reference French National Formulary preparation for the symptomatic treatment of moderate ichthyosis. This randomised single-blind study was conducted on 70 patients with ichthyosis. Evaluation criteria were based on the progression and outcome of symptoms of ichthyosis (presence of scales, rough skin, thickness of the skin). The investigator's and each subject's overall opinions were collected. The statistically significant efficacy of the two products at the end of four weeks was demonstrated (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two products of the following criteria: outcome of rough skin, skin thickness, and the investigator's overall opinion. The subject's opinion demonstrated a statistically significant difference in favor of Dexeryl® (p < 0.001), corresponding to a preference for use (ease of spreading and penetration of product, skin appearance, skin comfort).1

References

1. Single blinded randomised comparative study on Dexeryl efficacy and tolerance in the symptomatic treatment of ichthyosis. C. Blanchet, L. Parmentier, JM Pibourdin, P. Dupu Nouv. Dermatol. 2000 664-668

2. http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG057FullGuideline.pdf

3. http://www.ichthyosis.org.uk/types.aspx

4. Prevalent and rare mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin cause ichthyosis vulgaris and predispose individuals to atopic dermatitis. Sandilands A, O'Regan GM, Liao H, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Aug;126(8):1770-5

5. http://www.scalyskin.org/column.cfm?ColumnID=11

6. http://www.scalyskin.org/content.cfm?ContentID=282&ColumnID=6

7. http://www.bad.org.uk/public/leaflets/atopiceczema.asp

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is a leading French independent pharmaceutical company re-investing 13% of its turnover in R&D in 5 area of excellence: oncology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, immunology and dermatology. Pierre Fabre is organised in 3 divisions: ethical, OTC and dermatology-based cosmetics and hair care.

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie