Efficacy of dexpanthenol in skin protection against irritation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

• Published in: Contact dermatitis 2003-08, Vol.49 (2), p.80-84
• Main Authors: Biro, Kathrin, ThaÇi, Diamant, Ochsendorf, Falk R., Kaufmann, Roland, Boehncke, Wolf-Henning
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; corneometry; dermatitis; Dermatitis, Irritant - prevention & control; dexpanthenol; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pantothenic Acid - administration & dosage; Pantothenic Acid - analogs & derivatives; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Prospective Studies; sebumetry; skin barrier; Skin, nail, hair, dermoskeleton; surface pH
• ISSN: 0105-1873; 1600-0536
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2003.00184.x

Dexpanthenol is popular in treating various dermatoses and in skin care, but few controlled clinical trials have been performed. We investigated the efficacy of dexpanthenol in skin protection against irritation in a randomized, prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. 25 healthy volunteers (age 18–45 years) were treated for the inner aspect of both forearms with either Bepanthol® Handbalsam containing 5% dexpanthenol or placebo ×2 daily for 26 days. From day 15–22, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 2% was applied to these areas ×2 daily. Documentation comprised sebumetry, corneometry, pH value and clinical appearance (photographs). 21 volunteers completed the study, 3 were excluded because of non‐compliance and 1 experienced a non‐study‐related, severe, adverse event. Only corneometry yielded a statistically significant difference, with decreased values following SLS challenge at the placebo sites (P