Novel Formable PVA-Based Gel as a Potential for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Abstract

The current commercial ointment for atopic dermatitis treatment not only has a low moisture retention capacity but also a highly percentage of having recrudescence. In this study, a novel formable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel was developed. The gel takes 30 min to form a membrane. The membrane has high water vapor transmission rate and its moisturizing ability to skin is increased by adding humectants. It inhibits Staphylococcus aureus from growing and does not irritate to the skin, calf, and arms. Animal test supports that the gel membrane incorporated with tacrolimus truly palliates symptoms of skin inflammation and itch.

Keywords:

• Atopic dermatitis treatment
• membrane
• PVA gel

Notes

× = no; + = excellent; -=worse; – = slight; — = serious.

^a Fixed ingredients: 10 wt% PVA, 1 wt% chitosan, 5 wt% starch.

^b No film could be formed.

^c Fixed ingredients: 10 wt% PVA, 1 wt% chitosan, 0.9 wt% boric acid.

^d Fixed ingredients: 10 wt% PVA, 0.9 wt% boric acid, 1 wt% chitosan, 5 wt% starch, 0.5 wt% PVP.

^a Only apply 10 mL of different humectants separately, including pearl essence, oats extract, green alga extract, and tremella extract to the skin.

^b Ingredients: 10 wt% PVA, 1 wt% chitosan, 0.9 wt% boric acid, 5 wt% starch, 10 mL humectants.

^c The same formulations but without incorporation of humectants.

^d Ingredients: 10 wt% PVA, 1 wt% chitosan, 0.9 wt% boric acid, 5 wt% starch, 0.5 wt% PVP, 20 wt% glycerin, 10 mL humectants.

− = negative reaction; ? = doubtful reaction; + = weak reaction (nonvesicular); ++ = Strong reaction (edematous or vesicular); +++ = extreme reaction (ulcerative or bullous); IR = irritant reaction.

^a Control: Blank group.

^b PVA/boric acid/chitosan.

^c PVA/boric acid/chitosan/glycerin.

^d PVA/boric acid/chitosan/glycerin/humectants.

^e PVA/boric acid/chitosan/glycerin/tacrolimus.

Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be found online at www.tandfonline.com/gpom.