Evaluation of a 5% dexpanthenol-containing ointment for the treatment of infant irritant diaper dermatitis through the lens of the caregiver-A real-world data observational study.

Abstract

Irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) is very common in infants and usually managed by the caregiver. Dexpanthenol-containing ointment (DCO) is a decades-long established product that has demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in the treatment and prevention of infant IDD in controlled clinical settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DCO in the treatment of infant IDD from the perspective of the caregiver by collecting data not explored in clinical trials, such as infant quality of life and the speed of action. A retrospective observational real-world data (RWD) study was conducted with French adult caregivers who had used a DCO to treat IDD in their infants within the past 6 months and consented to participate to the study completed a web-based survey answering questions regarding the severity of their infants' symptoms (intensity/extent of redness and discomfort, rated using Likert scales) before and after DCO application. The speed of onset of symptom relief and product acceptability were also collected. A total of 500 caregivers of 564 infants completed the survey. Of these, 80% reported that DCO visibly treats IDD. In terms of speed of action, 83% declared that the first signs of symptom relief appeared after 1 day of application and 78% reported full symptom resolution within 2 days of application. Additionally, ≥77% of caregivers agreed that DCO provided overnight relief from the discomfort caused by IDD and reduced sleep disturbance in their children. Finally, 85% of caregivers declared being satisfied with the product overall and considered the product pleasant to use. This evidence from caregivers' experience confirms that DCO can be considered an adequate medication to self-manage IDD episode as it provides rapid relief of the signs and symptoms of inflammation, while by being pleasant to be use.