Clinical Efficacy and Skin Bioengineering Evaluations of a Semi-Occlusive Healing Ointment as an Adjuvant Therapy in Hand Eczema

Background: Hand Eczema (HE) is the most common skin problem during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic which has impaired quality of life, impact work ability and cause hand dysfunction. The use of Topical Corticosteroid (TCS) alone can delay HE healing. Objective: To determine the efficacy of a semi-occlusive ointment containing panthenol, glycerol and bisabolol as an adjuvant therapy to TCS in mild-to-moderate HE. Methods: An open-label prospective study was conducted of 60 patients with mild-to-moderate HE. The tested product was applied to both hands, two or three times a day every 4 to 6 hours for 8 weeks. There was then a 4-week cessation period. Disease severity was assessed by physician/patient scoring systems, Corneometer, Tewameter and Visioscan that were collected at week 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12. Results: Fifty-six patients completed the study. The patients had a mean age of 42.8 years and were mostly female. The median duration of HE was 12.0 years. The physician and patient global assessment scores of clinical severity; erythema, dryness, itching and functional impairment, were significantly reduced starting at week 2 compared with baseline. After the 4-week cessation of the tested product, patient loosed the product efficacies. The proportion of patients who used TCS tended to decrease during the study period. Skin hydration was significantly improved at week 4. No unwanted effects found. Conclusion: A semi-occlusive healing ointment with panthenol, glycerol and bisabolol was effective and safe for treating mild-to-moderate HE. Our study identified an adjuvant ointment choice for HE treatment other than TCS.