A skin moisturizing cream containing Quaternium-18-Bentonite effectively improves chronic hand dermatitis.

BACKGROUND

Irritant and allergic hand dermatitis is difficult to control in individuals who are unable to avoid causative exposures. Effectiveness of "protective" creams has been poor.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if hand dermatitis, primarily of an occupational nature, could be improved by the use of a newly developed moisturizing cream containing Quaternium-18-Bentonite.

METHODS

Adult male and female subjects with chronic hand dermatitis felt to be either allergic, irritant, or combined in nature, after a 2-week observation period, were given the study cream for routine application. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the investigator and the subject evaluated the skin parameters, including redness, scaling, fissuring, blistering, and pruritus, on a numerical scale. A global evaluation was also performed. Photographs were taken at each visit. Use of topical corticosteroids was recorded. No systemic therapies other than antihistamines were allowed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven subjects were enrolled in the study and 33 completed it. The physician's and the subject's initial global evaluations averaged 6.0 and 5.8, respectively (0-10 scale). The final scores were 2.9 and 2.8, respectively, an improvement of 50% (p < 0.001). Topical corticosteroid usage was reduced in 29 of 33 subjects. Fifteen of 35 had a final score of 0-2, indicating complete or almost complete clearing. Only 10, including 2 of the dropouts, failed to show improvement. No adverse effects were noted.

COMMENT

This moisturizing cream significantly improved chronic hand dermatitis in a majority of individuals with previously uncontrolled dermatitis despite continuing in their regular occupation.