Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Moisturizer Containing Green-Tea Extracts

Background : For the long-term management of chronic dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis or xerotic eczema, it is important for a clinician to choose a medication that has the least side effects. Objective: We planned to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of a moisturizer containing green-tea extracts compared with 1 % hydrocortisone lotion. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of 1 % hydrocortisone lotion and a moisturizer containing green-tea extracts were evaluated in the inflammation of skin induced by ultraviolet B(UVB) irradiation and sodium lauryl sulfate(SLS) irritation. Twice a day application of topical agents for reducing artificially induced local inflammation was done. Mexameter and chromameter were used for the evaluation of erythema. Results : UVB induced erythema continued to increase regardless of applying topical agents. In contrast, SLS-induced erythema slowly decreased with time duration. Furthermore, increasing pattern of erythema was irregular after UVB irradiation. These results suggest that SLS-induced erythema was more reliable for evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of topical agent. In addition, we found that a moisturizer containing green tea extracts showed nearly the same effect as or even more effective than 1 % hydrocortisone lotion. Conclusion : A moisturizer containing green tea extracts would be effective for improving dry skin and also for the treatment of atopic dermatitis or xerotic eczema. (Korean J Dermatol 2003;41(1) : 15-20)