Clinical efficacy of scratch prevention by hydrogel application in atopic dermatitis

It is well known that scratching worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). We examined the clinical efficacy of hydrogel application and prevention of scratching on the symptoms of AD. Half side comparative application study was conducted on cubital fossa or popliteal fossa, in sixteen patients with AD. One side was applied twice a day with Lidomex KowaRlotion only (control group), and another side with LidomexKowaRlotion+hydrogel (hydrogel group) for 2 weeks (study 1). After continuing 2 weeks application of LidomexKowa Rlotion, one side was applied once a day with HirudoidRonly (Hirudoid group), and another side with application of hydrogel (hydrogel group) for 2 weeks (study 2). Skin severity was evaluated by clinical skin scores. Clinical skin score was calculated by 4-grade scores (0: none, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe) in 5 factors (erythema, induration, scratch mark, lichenification, itch). In study 1, significant improvement was observed both in control and hydrogel groups, and the decrease in skin score of hydrogel group was greater than control group. In study 2, clinical skin score increased in Hirudoid group, whereas the score didn't change significantly in hydrogel group. These results prove that hydrogel application increases the clinical efficacy of topical steroid in AD. Moreover, hydrogel application might prevent exacerbation of AD by preventing scratching behavior.