Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is difficult to treat. Traditional cold cream, a water-in-oil emulsion made from beeswax, is used to alleviate AD symptoms in clinical practice, although its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. The addition of propolis has the potential to impart anti-inflammatory properties to cold cream. However, in high concentrations, propolis can trigger allergic reactions. Thus, the objective of this work was to develop a cold cream formulation based on purified beeswax containing the same amount of green propolis present in raw beeswax. The impact of adding this low propolis concentration to cold cream on AD control was evaluated in patients compared to cold cream without added propolis (CBlank). Raw beeswax was chemically characterized to define the propolis concentration added to the propolis-loaded cold cream (CPropolis). The creams were characterized as to their physicochemical, mechanical, and rheological characteristics. The effect of CPropolis and CBlank on the quality of life, disease severity, and skin hydration of patients with AD was evaluated in a triple-blind randomized preclinical study. Concentrations of 34 to 120 ng/mL of green propolis extract reduced TNF-α levels in LPS-stimulated macrophage culture. The addition of propolis to cold cream did not change the cream’s rheological, mechanical, or bioadhesive properties. The preclinical study suggested that both creams improved the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, the use of CPropolis decreased the disease severity compared to CBlank.
Highlights
Atopic dermatitis (AD), or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin associated with atopy with outbreak evolutions [1]
Among the aromatic acids found in raw beeswax were cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, aromatic acids in its composition, characteristic of green propolis
It is known that the use of moisturizers, especially those with high oil content, such as cold cream, is an essential measure for the treatment of patients with AD
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD), or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin associated with atopy with outbreak evolutions [1]. The most common symptoms associated with the disease are severe itching in specific skin sites and eczematous lesions with cyclic evolution [2]. In the acute phase of the disease, the lesions appear as poorly defined edemas and erythemas, while in the chronic phase, they become more defined, lichenified, desquamative, and located mainly in regions of body folds. Patients with the disease have severe xerosis [3,4]. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is significantly increasing in the world. 10–20% of adults with AD reported severe disease. In 2010, almost 230 million people were diagnosed with eczemas [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
