Research Summary:
This study investigated the effects of a skin protectant solution (dimethicone 2%) on clinical signs and skin barrier function in canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Eighteen dogs with AD were randomly divided into two groups, with one group receiving dimethicone and the other receiving the vehicle (cyclomethicone) on selected areas (pinnae, groin, and axillae) daily for 4 weeks. Owners and investigators were blinded to group allocation.
Clinical efficacy was evaluated using a scoring system, and skin barrier function was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Twelve dogs completed the study, with a 50% drop rate in the vehicle group and a 20% drop rate in the dimethicone group.
For clinical signs, analysis of variance showed an effect of time (P < 0.005; day 0 > day 28) and region (axillae < groin < pinnae), but no significant effect of group or group × time interaction. For transepidermal water loss, analysis of variance revealed only a main effect of region (axillae > pinnae > groin). Pearson correlation found no relationship between transepidermal water loss and clinical scores.
In this pilot study, dimethicone had no significant effect on clinical signs or transepidermal water loss in canine atopic dermatitis.
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