Basic Therapy of Chronic Hand Eczema with Betulin-Emulsions - Results of Non-interventional Studies Including 199 Patients

Abstract

Background: Emulsions with betulin have been used in skin care and skin protection since several years. They represent W/O emulsions that can abstain from the use of tenside emulgators. Materials and methods: In two non-interventional studies including 199 patients the use of betulin emulsions in the treatment of chronic hand eczema had been investigated. In one study (NIS 1) betulin emulsions had been investigated under inpatient conditions including 99 patients. The primary aim of the study was the tolerance of the product. In a further study, 100 outpatients with chronic hand eczema of differential severity had been investigated. In 41 cases with mild forms of hand eczema the treating physician resigned from using further medication. In these cases, the direct influence of the betulin emulsion could be inquired. Results: Tolerance of the products in NIS 1 and NIS 2 had been judged as ``good'', ``very good'' or ``excellent'' from nearly 90% of the patients investigated. In NIS 2 betulin emulsions were this effective in the treatment of mild form of chronic hand eczema that further medication was expendable. Conclusion: Emulsions with botulin are suitable for basic treatment of chronic hand eczema of different severity or genesis. In mild forms additional medical treatment is expendable.