Efficacy and patient opinion of wet‐wrap dressings using 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment vs cream in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized split‐body control study

Background Wet wraps can be an effective means of improving atopic dermatitis (AD). Little research has been done regarding the comparative efficacy of topical steroid vehicles and patient preference. Objective This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide ointment vs cream used with wet wraps in pediatric patients with AD and to explore patient preference/opinion. Methods We performed a small, randomized, investigator‐blind prospective study of 39 pediatric patients experiencing symmetric, bilateral AD flares. Patients were instructed to apply a topical steroid cream to one extremity and apply the same topical steroid in an ointment vehicle to the other extremity using the wet‐wrap technique once or twice daily for 3 to 5 consecutive days. Patients were evaluated at a follow‐up visit. Results Comparison of the change in Investigator’s Global Assessment scores disclosed no significant difference between efficacy ratings of cream (mean difference = 0.72) and ointment (mean difference = 0.59) when used with wet wraps (P = 0.22). Although patients found the ointment more difficult to apply, they were more likely to prefer ointments for future prescriptions (P