Case studies assessing a new skin barrier repair cream for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility, epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. The intense pruritus associated with the disease causes an itch-scratch cycle that worsens symptoms and can cause significant discomfort for the patient. Recently, the focus of the atopic dermatitis treatment paradigm has shifted from targeting inflammation to the use of agents that normalize the skin barrier, which may reduce the current dependence on topical steroids and immunomodulators. A new barrier repair cream (EpiCeram Skin Barrier Cream, Promius Pharma, Bridgewater, NJ) is a prescription topical agent indicated for the treatment of dry skin conditions and the relief of itching and burning associated with various dermatoses. This article describes the pathogenic rationale for using a barrier repair cream for the treatment of AD and discusses case report results focused on its clinical benefit for AD.