Original papers
Multicentre comparative trial of nursing care properties of Alantan, Bepanthen, Linomag and Sudocrem® cream in children with diaper dermatitis

Abstract
Introduction: Diaper dermatitis (DD) is one of the most common dermatoses in infants and small children. The role of different locally irritative factors is underlined in the aetiopathogenesis. Prophylaxis and treatment are based on proper nursing care leading to gradual reconstruction of the skin barrier in this sensitive area.
Aim: The aim of the trial was to make a comparative assessment of nursing care properties and tolerance of Sudocrem® in comparison to three other preparations (Bepanthen, Alantan, Linomag) locally applied in infants and small children in DD.
Material and methods: The trial was conducted in 6 investigative centres at the same time on a group of 140 children (70 girls, 70 boys) aged from 1 month to 3 years old with the diagnosis of DD of moderate intensity. Ill children were qualified into one of 4 groups applying different nursing care preparations (Bepanthen, Alantan, Linomag and Sudocrem®). The grade of intensity of diaper dermatitis was assessed at 0, 2nd and 4th day on the basis of clinical symptoms such as: extensity of the lesions, intensity of the erythema, presence of papules and desquamation each in the scale from 0 to 3 points. Parents of the children assessed cosmetic properties of the products at each visit.
Results: The comparison of the clinical efficacy of the examined preparations showed significantly higher (p < 0.001) and quicker improvement of skin lesions (p < 0.001) after the use of Sudocrem®. No signs of intolerance of topical treatment were observed. The parents of treated children confirmed the advantageous cosmetic properties of Sudocrem® – 71% of very good assessments and 20% of good ones, the most of all 4 examined preparations.
Conclusions
: 1. Sudocrem® showed the greatest therapeutic efficacy and rapidity of action in diaper dermatitis in comparison to other preparations examined (Bepanthen, Alantan, Linomag).
2. Sudocrem® was well tolerated by the sensitive and delicate skin of infants and small children.
3. The cosmetic properties of Sudocrem® were assessed as very good by parents and guardians.
4. The use of Sudocrem® in cases of DD of moderate intensity of skin lesions can be sufficient to obtain total cure.