ATOPIC ECZEMA

Atopic eczema is a common skin condition which can be exacerbated by the presence of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This bacteria is known to colonise atopic skin and release chemical mediators which cause an inflammatory reaction in the skin, leading to itching and scratching. This process is known as the itch-scratch cycle.
When treating atopic eczema it is important to ensure that both the dry skin condition and the presence of S. aureus bacteria are considered when selecting an appropriate therapy.

When used for dry and itchy skin conditions, Dermol breaks the itch-scratch cycle in two ways:

• The antimicrobials combat Staphylococcus aureus, and consequently reduce the itchy inflammatory reaction to the bacterial superantigenic exotoxins.
• The two emollients soothe and rehydrate dry skin, relieving the irritation caused by dryness and helping to restore a normal skin barrier function.

Read more about the link between S. aureus and atopic eczema.

A patient leaflet on managing eczema is available.

Staphyloccocal biofilms have been associated with atopic dermatitis. By harbouring staphylococcal bacteria, this may leave dry, itchy damaged skin prone to ongoing irritation by the microorganisms.

• When tested in vitro, Dermol Lotion, even at high dilutions, showed promising activity against Staphylococcus biofilms. This was not generally associated with high levels of biofilm dispersal, indicating that the antimicrobial agents penetrated the biofilm matrix.
  
  
  

SKIN CLEANSING WITH SOAP SUBSTITUTES 

Most ordinary soaps, foaming shower gels and bubble baths contain harsh cleansing agents that can have a detrimental effect on the integrity of the skin. Using an antimicrobial emollient soap substitute for skin cleansing and washing avoids the drying and often irritant effects of ordinary soaps and cleansers whilst helping to reduce bacterial load on the skin.

Development of antibiotic resistant strains of S. aureus such as meticillin resistant (MRSA) and fusidic acid resistant (FRSA) can be a problem in Dermatology. The Dermol range has been shown to exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against MRSA and FRSA. In addition, Dermol Wash has shown bactericidal activity against strains of S. aureus that carry the virulence factor Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL-SA) irrespective of meticillin susceptibility status (i.e. MSSA or MRSA).

The studies below demonstrate the effectiveness of Dermol Lotion and Dermol Wash when used as antimicrobial emollient soap substitutes. 

• Dermol Lotion has been shown to be an effective, well tolerated hand wash. Read the article on MRSA and hand washing.
• Dermol Wash has proven antimicrobial activity meeting Standard BS EN1499 (modified) against E. coli.
• Dermol Wash demonstrated protective effects on skin condition when used in conjunction with alcohol rubs in semi-intensive hand washing regimes.
• The difference between antiseptics and antibiotics is often misinterpreted. Find out further information about antiseptics versus antibiotics.
  
  
  

HELPING TO REPAIR COMPROMISED SKIN AND PREVENT SECONDARY INFECTION

Data from in vitro studies has shown that products in the Dermol range have activity against several microorganisms that can cause secondary infection in those with dry itchy skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis.

Products in the Dermol range have also shown antimicrobial activity against other microbes that can secondarily infect dry itchy skin conditions:

Dermol Lotion and Dermol Cream are effective in vitro against Streptococcus pyogenes.
Dermol Cream and Dermol Lotion, when tested in vitro, demonstrated rapid activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause secondary infection in eczema patients.

Dermol Cream and Dermol Lotion have been shown to be effective against Malassezia furfur, a yeast implicated in seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.

‘Dermol’ is a registered trademark.

FURTHER RESOURCES

DermoL DOSSIER

Further information about the Dermol range of antimicrobial emollients and clinical information relating to atopic eczema and dermatitis, skin cleansing, helping to repair compromised skin and preventing secondary infection.

View the Dermol Dossier