Observational pharmacy-based study provides real-world insights into the patient-perceived effectiveness and tolerability of a topically used hydrocortisone acetate in treating various allergic or mild inflammatory skin reactions.

INTRODUCTION

Topical hydrocortisones are commonly used for the self-treatment of allergic or mild inflammatory skin reactions. Post-market data analyzing usage, safety and effectiveness of hydrocortisone creams in a real-world setting are scarce.

METHODS

This non-interventional, observational, pharmacy-based study analyzes the usage patterns and patient-perceived effectiveness and tolerability of Soventol Hydrocortisonacetat 0.5% (Soventol HCA) in a real-world setting. Adult participants with a moderately pronounced reddened, inflammatory or allergic skin disease for which a weak, low-concentration corticosteroid was indicated filled an online questionnaire parallel to product application for a maximum of 7 days. Severity of symptoms, frequency of application and the occurrence of adverse events were documented daily. The study was reported to the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (NIS-nr 7793).

RESULTS

Data from 2,561 participants were received. Most participants used Soventol HCA for the treatment of insect bites (62.3%; N = 2,557). Almost all participants were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the effectiveness (97.7%; N = 2,106) and tolerability (99.1%; N = 2,106) of Soventol HCA. The vast majority of participants assessed the speed of itching relief (87.0%; N = 2,045), speed of cooling effect (90.5%; N = 2,073), pain relief (93.9%; N = 1,760), redness relief (90.2%; N = 2,033), and swelling relief (92.9%; N = 1,901) as "fast" to "very fast" or "good" to "very good." 61 non-serious adverse reactions were documented.

CONCLUSION

This non-interventional study provides valuable real-world insights about the patient-perceived effectiveness and tolerability of Soventol HCA in treating insect bites, but also other inflammatory or allergic skin reactions as e.g. sunburn, allergies or eczema in adults. Patient satisfaction with effectiveness and tolerability was high in all application fields, especially regarding itch reduction of insect bites.