Clinical Research Directory

Improving the Care of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) Using a Beta-Glucan Cream as a Hydrating and Soothing Agent

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether adding a β-glucan moisturizing cream to routine skin care can enhance skin healing, accelerate visible recovery, reduce discomfort, and improve both patient and clinician experiences. The study will also learn about the safety and tolerability of the β-glucan cream when used along with standard skin care. The main questions it aims to answer are: Are there visible changes in the severity of IAD when β-glucan cream is added to standard care, and if so, to what extent does it reduce severity compared with standard care alone? Does the β-glucan cream help IAD heal faster? Does the cream reduce symptoms such as pain, itching, tingling, or burning? What medical problems or side effects, if any, do participants experience while using the β-glucan cream? Researchers will compare standard care plus β-glucan cream to standard care alone to see if the β-glucan cream provides additional benefit for treating IAD. Participants will: Receive either β-glucan cream plus standard care or standard care alone Have the study cream applied once daily for up to 2 weeks Have their skin checked weekly by the study team using a standardized assessment tool Answer questions about symptoms such as pain, itching, tingling, and burning Allow photographs of the affected skin area to be taken for secure clinical review Be monitored for any side effects or skin reactions during the study

Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Acute Irritant Dermatitis

Irritant dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin disorders, caused by exposure to external substances that induce inflammation and immune activation. Standard management includes avoidance of irritants, restoration of the skin barrier using emollients, and the application of anti-inflammatory drugs such as topical corticosteroids. However, due to the risks associated with long-term corticosteroid use, there is an interest in developing emollient formulations enriched with bioactive compounds possessing anti-inflammatory properties. Among those promising compounds is glycyrrhetinic acid. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid, a bioactive component of licorice root extract, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Topical application has demonstrated beneficial outcomes in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, pruritus, and UVB-induced skin damage. Its proposed mechanisms of action include inhibition of key inflammatory enzymes (COX, 5-LOX, iNOS) and promotion of skin regeneration through stimulation of aquaporin-3 expression and enhancement of epidermal turnover. Topical application of formulations containing 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid will improve skin parameter disturbances caused by irritation induced with sodium lauryl sulfate. This study aims to evaluate the effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on human skin parameters in an acute irritant dermatitis model induced by sodium lauryl sulfate, providing further insight into its potential role as an anti-inflammatory and barrier-restoring agent. Funding: Funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.