TriCalm^® hydrogel is significantly superior to 2% diphenhydramine and 1% hydrocortisone in reducing the peak intensity, duration, and overall magnitude of cowhage-induced itch

Figures & data

Figure 1 Time course of itch intensity for all conditions investigated (VAS ratings 0–10).

Note: VAS is a numerical 10 cm VAS from 0 (no itch) to 10 (maximum unbearable itch).
Abbreviation: VAS, visual analog scale.

Figure 2 Effect of treatments on (A) peak itch intensity (VAS units), (B) itch duration (seconds), and (C) total itch perceived (AUC).

Note: *Decrease in itch intensity, duration, and AUC was significant in comparison to the control cowhage itch. Results were considered statistically significant for P<0.05.
Abbreviations: AUC, area under the curve; SEM, standard error of the mean; VAS, visual analog scale.

Figure 3 Reduction of (A) peak itch intensity (VAS units), (B) itch duration (seconds), and (C) total itch perceived (AUC) versus control.

Notes: ^*P<0.001; ^#diphenhydramine did not reduce cowhage itch duration. Results were considered statistically significant for P<0.05.
Abbreviations: AUC, area under the curve; SEM, standard error of the mean; VAS, visual analog scale.

Table 1 Therapeutic efficacy of TriCalm hydrogel in reducing peak itch intensity, itch duration, and overall itch (AUC) in comparison with the other two agents analyzed, in reference to the control itch curve (n=47)a

Endpoint ratio	TriCalm vs 2% diphenhydramine	TriCalm vs 1% hydrocortisone
Reduction of peak itch intensity (VAS units)	2.72/1.16=2.34 P<0.002	2.72/0.36=7.61 P<0.001
Reduction of itch duration (seconds)	N/Ab	163/50.2=3.24 P<0.008
Reduction of total itch perceived (AUC)	700/119.2=5.87 P<0.001	700/86.6=8.08 P<0.001

Notes:

a The effect of each agent was calculated versus the same control curve. A ratio of the effect produced by TriCalm/the effect induced by the other two antipruritics was calculated;

b diphenhydramine did not reduce cowhage itch duration. Results were considered statistically significant for P<0.05.

Abbreviations: AUC, area under the curve; N/A, not applicable; VAS, visual analog scale.