Effects of Emollient Containing Bee Venom on Atopic Dermatitis: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Base-Controlled, Multicenter Study of 136 Patients

Abstract

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, complex disease that follows a chronic relapsing course and significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Skin barrier dysfunction and inflammatory processes induce and aggravate this skin condition. Proper use of an emollient for hydration is a keystone of AD treatment. Bee venom is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various inflammatory disorders.ObjectiveTo find out the beneficial effect of an emollient containing bee venom in the treatment of patients with AD.MethodsThis study included 136 patients with AD who were randomized to receive either an emollient containing bee venom and silk-protein or a vehicle that was identical except for the bee venom for 4 weeks. The patients were instructed to apply the emollient twice daily on their entire body and not to use other medications, including topicals, during the course of the study. The eczema area and severity index (EASI) score, transepidermal water loss, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of itching were evaluated at the first visit and after 2 and 4 weeks. The investigator global assessment was evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after the application of emollient containing bee venom or vehicle.ResultsPatients applying emollient containing bee venom showed significantly lower EASI score and VAS value compared to patients applying emollient without bee venom.ConclusionEmollient containing bee venom is a safe and effective option for patients with AD.

Inhibitory Effect of Carnosol on Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Atopic Dermatitis via Inhibition of STAT3

“…Several studies indicated that AD is characterized by an increased serum Ig-E level and cytokine expression ( Choi et al ., 2016 ). In other previous studies, a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as Aquaphilus dolomiae extract, bee venom and fullerene C60 have showed efficacy to hinder anti-AD through decreased cytokines and Ig-E level ( Aries et al ., 2016 ; Shershakova et al ., 2016 ; You et al ., 2016 ). Our study demonstrated that carnosol treatment significantly reduced Ig-E and cytokines in PA induced mice.…”

“…The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α are produced by inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells which are differentiated from recruited monocytes in the acute phase of AD. Other cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) are also increased in AD skin lesions ( You et al ., 2016 ).…”

Therapeutic effects of bee venom on experimental atopic dermatitis

“…It has been shown in several studies that pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, i.e., interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, and TSLP, increases in AD skin lesions ( 42 , 43 ). TSLP, the keratinocyte-derived cytokine, has been shown to play an important role in the early stages of allergic inflammation.…”

Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care

“…Bee venom can be used in fungi and viral skin infections. The antifungal effect of bee venom against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans and Malassezia furfur was proved [84][85][86]. Antiviral effect of bee venom on herpes simplex virus has been studied.…”

“…Anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom is used also in treatment atopic dermatitis. Patients who applied emollient with bee venom had lower eczema area, severity index and visual analogue scale value than patients who applied emollient without bee venom [84]. The biological activities of bee venom have been used in wounds healing.…”