Combination therapy improves the recovery of the skin barrier function: an experimental model using a contact allergy patch test combined with TEWL measurements.

Nickel (Ni) allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) alters the skin barrier. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of combination therapies on ACD, using a topical corticosteroid and a corneotherapy agent (barrier cream), with that of a single therapy with corticosteroids. On day 1, 3 Ni test patches were applied on each forearm of 14 Ni-patch-test-positive females. Four contained 5% Ni and 2 physiological saline. Either topical corticosteroid or barrier cream were matched with the combination of both products on 3 of the 4 Ni ACD. The fourth was not treated. Clinical scoring, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) capacitance were measured before (day 1) and after (days 4-8) ACD. The combination therapy showed a significant decrease in TEWL values and an increase in SC capacitance. Combining a topical corticosteroid with corneotherapy agents prevents the delay in the healing process of skin barrier disruption due to ACD.