Randomized, double-blind, split-side, comparison study of moisturizer containing licochalcone A and 1% hydrocortisone in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin lesion in children. Topical corticosteroid is the mainstay of treatment.To compare the efficacy of moisturizer containing licochalcone A (LicA) and 1% hydrocortisone for the treatment of mild to moderate childhood AD.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.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 (p0.001). 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 (p0.001). Skin lesions flared up in three patients (7.5%).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.