[Efficacy and patient benefit of treatment of irritated skin with ointments containing dexpanthenol: health services research (observational study) on self-medication in a pharmaceutical network]

Abstract

Background: Products containing dexpanthenol are used to treat irritated and inflamed skin. So far there is a lack of data for the evidence of patient-relevant benefits.

Objective: Assessment of the patient-relevant benefit of ointments containing dexpanthenol in the self-medicated therapy of irritated skin.

Methods: Prospective, observational study in a network of 392 pharmacies. Consecutive recruitment of n=1,886 patients with symptoms of irritated skin, including non-inflammatory intervals of atopic eczema, other xerotic skin conditions and impairment of skin barrier. The patient-relevant benefit was ascertained prior to and 7-10 days after treatment through the patient-benefit index (PBI).

Results: The PBI showed that 91.5% of the patients experienced a relevant benefit from treatment. 94.7% directly indicated to have had achieved successful therapeutic results. All symptoms of irritated skin (e.g. xerosis, erythema, desquamation) significantly improved (p<or=0,001). The subjective response was independent of age, gender and underlying skin disease.

Conclusion: High patient-relevant benefits were observed in the treatment of irritated skin with dexpanthenol ointment.