Investigations on the effects of a topical ceramides-containing emulsion (allerderm spot on) on clinical signs and skin barrier function in dogs with topic dermatitis: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled study.

摘要

Skin barrier is impaired in canine atopic dermatitis (AD) and topical application of ceramides has been suggested to be beneficial. This study evaluated the effects of a ceramides-containing emulsion on clinical signs and skin barrier in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Dogs diagnosed with AD were enrolled and divided into two equal groups. Half received ceramide emulsion (Allerderm spot-on) 3x/week for 4 weeks, and the rest received control. Both investigators and owners were blinded to group allocation. Treated areas included pinna, antebrachial, axilla, and groin. Dogs were evaluated on day 0, 14, and 28 for clinical signs and skin barrier function. Clinical signs were scored using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) score and skin barrier was assessed by measurement of Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Owners scored pruritus and overall improvement. One investigator did all clinical evaluations while TEWL measurements were done by two different investigators. For CADESI, analysis of variance showed significant effect of time (week 4<0) and group (Allerderm < control). For owners' assessment no statistically significant difference in pruritus scores was found between groups and over-time. Analysis of TEWL measurements was done separately by operator due to possibility of operator effect and found no significant differences for one operator and a significant effect of group (Allerderm < control) in antebrachial and axillary area and time (week 4<0) for the other operator. It is concluded that topical ceramides - containing emulsion has beneficial effects in canine AD and that TEWL results must be carefully interpreted as affected by operator's skills.