Efficacy of Crisaborole 2% Cream Versus Placebo in Mild to Moderate Atopic Eczema

Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly referred to as atopic eczema, is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus, erythema, and impaired skin barrier function. AD affects both children and adults and is associated with significant psychosocial burden, sleep disturbance, and reduced quality of life. Standard treatment options include topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors; however, prolonged use of these agents may be associated with adverse effects such as skin atrophy, irritation, and tachyphylaxis, highlighting the need for effective non-steroidal alternatives.

Crisaborole 2% cream is a topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor that reduces inflammation by inhibiting cyclic adenosine monophosphate degradation and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. International clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in mild to moderate AD, but limited data are available from South Asian populations.

This study is a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Participants aged 12 to 50 years with clinically diagnosed mild to moderate AD, defined by an ISGA score of 2 (mild) or 3 (moderate), will be enrolled after obtaining written informed consent.

Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups:

Group A: Crisaborole 2% cream applied twice daily

Group B: Placebo cream applied twice daily

The treatment duration will be four weeks. Clinical assessments will be conducted at baseline, Day 14, and Day 28. The primary endpoint is treatment success at Day 28, defined as achieving an ISGA score of 0 or 1 with at least a two-grade improvement from baseline.

Secondary evaluations will include safety assessment, monitoring of adverse events, and treatment adherence. Comparative analysis will determine whether Crisaborole 2% cream provides superior efficacy compared with placebo in managing mild to moderate AD.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 12 to 50 years
• Clinically diagnosed mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (ISGA score 2 or 3)
• Willing and able to apply topical medication twice daily for four weeks
• Able to provide written informed consent (parental consent for participants under 18 years)

Exclusion criteria

• Severe atopic dermatitis (ISGA score 4)
• Use of systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or antibiotics within the past two weeks
• Known hypersensitivity to crisaborole or any component of the formulation
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Presence of other significant dermatological conditions that may interfere with evaluation (e.g., psoriasis, scabies)
• Immunocompromised status (e.g., HIV infection, organ transplant recipient)