ABSTRACT
Objective To study the clinical effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) gel combined with tacrolimus treatment on facial hormone-dependent dermatitis, and to investigate its influence in skin function and recurrence of dermatitis. Methods Forty-eight outpatients with facial hormone-dependent dermatitis were randomly divided into treatment group (n=24, treatment with tacrolimus combined rhEGF gel) and control group (n=24, treatment with tacrolimus). The moisture of skin, sebum content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were examined before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment in two groups. Eczema area and severity index (EASI) were calculated at 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment. The adverse reactions and recurrence of dermatitis were observed during the treatment as well. Results Compared with pre-treatment, the moisture of skin and sebum content were increased (P0.05), but it is much higher in treatment group after two-week treatment (79.2%vs. 50.0%, P<0.05) and after four-week treatment (91.2% vs. 62.5%, P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no adverse reaction in the treatment group, and the recurrence rate was much lower in treatment group (12.5%) than that of the control group (37.5%,χ2=4.03,P<0.05). Conclusion Recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel has an auxiliary curative effect on facial hormone-dependent dermatitis and can significantly improve skin function, and the recurrence rate of dermatitis is low.
ABSTRACT
Skin is the first line of defense for protecting our bodies against external perturbations, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, mechanical/chemical stress, and bacterial infection. Nutrition is one of many factors required for the maintenance of overall skin health. An impaired nutritional status alters the structural integrity and biological function of skin, resulting in an abnormal skin barrier. In particular, the importance of micronutrients (such as certain vitamins and minerals) for skin health has been highlighted in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies. These micronutrients are employed not only as active compounds in therapeutic agents for treating certain skin diseases, but also as ingredients in cosmetic products. Here, the author describes the barrier function of the skin and the general nutritional requirements for skin health. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential roles and current knowledge of selected micronutrients in skin health and function.