Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Side, Comparison Study of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A and 1% Hydrocortisone in the Treatment of Childhood Atopic Dermatitis
Siriwan Wananukul MD*, Susheera Chatproedprai MD*, Amornsri Chunharas MD**, Wanida Limpongsanuruk MD***, Srisupalak Singalavanija MD***, Rattanawalai Nitiyarom MD****, Wanee Wisuthsarewong MD****
Affiliation : * Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Pediatrics, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Dermatology Unit, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand **** Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin lesion in children. Topical corticosteroid is
the mainstay of treatment.
Objective : To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing licochalcone A (Lic A) and 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment
of mild to moderate childhood AD.
Material and Method: This was a multicenter, randomized, prospective, split-side, double-blind study in 55 children between
the age of three months and 14 years. Patients with AD were treated twice daily, simultaneously with either Lic A or 1%
hydrocortisone on opposite sides of the lesion. The SCORAD and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed at the
baseline, 2-week, and 4-week visits. Lic A was used on both sides of the body for another four weeks to see the effects and
TEWL.
Results : In a randomized period, both products were equally effective in the treatment. SCORAD decreased significantly
from baseline for both treatments throughout the first four weeks (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference
in SCORAD between both treatments (p = 0.321 and p = 0.146 at week 2 and 4, respectively). Lic A had statistically
significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.027 and p = 0.03 at weeks 2 and 4, respectively). One patient had infection on skin
lesions of both sides of the body. Forty-three patients continued to the period of using Lic A on both sides of the body.
SCORAD and TEWL were comparable to the end of the randomized period and significantly lower from baseline (p<0.001).
Skin lesions flared up in three patients (7.5%).
Conclusion : Lic A had a similar result in terms of SCORAD compared to 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of mild and
moderate AD. TEWL was significantly lower than baseline on the side that used Lic A. Continuing use of Lic A for four
weeks can maintain clinical and barrier improvement.
Keywords : Atopic dermatitis, Licochalcone A, Transepidermal water loss
