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Ann Dermatol. 2016 Oct;28(5):593-599. Epub 2016 Sep 30.  Effects of Emollient Containing Bee Venom on Atopic Dermatitis: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Base-Controlled, Multicenter Study of 136 Patients.  You CE1, Moon SH1, Lee KH2, Kim KH3, Park CW4, Seo SJ5, Cho SH1.

• 1Department of Dermatology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea.
• 2Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
• 3Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
• 4Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
• 5Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, complex disease that follows a chronic relapsing course and significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Skin barrier dysfunction and inflammatory processes induce and aggravate this skin condition. Proper use of an emollient for hydration is a keystone of AD treatment. Bee venom is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various inflammatory disorders.

OBJECTIVE:

To find out the beneficial effect of an emollient containing bee venom in the treatment of patients with AD.

METHODS:

This study included 136 patients with AD who were randomized to receive either an emollient containing bee venom and silk-protein or a vehicle that was identical except for the bee venom for 4 weeks. The patients were instructed to apply the emollient twice daily on their entire body and not to use other medications, including topicals, during the course of the study. The eczema area and severity index (EASI) score, transepidermal water loss, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of itching were evaluated at the first visit and after 2 and 4 weeks. The investigator global assessment was evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after the application of emollient containing bee venom or vehicle.

RESULTS:

Patients applying emollient containing bee venom showed significantly lower EASI score and VAS value compared to patients applying emollient without bee venom.

CONCLUSION:

Emollient containing bee venom is a safe and effective option for patients with AD.

KEYWORDS:

Atopic dermatitis; Bee venoms; Emollients

PMID:

27746639