Skin Barrier Repair is Key to manage your Atopic Dermatitis
Your healthcare professional has diagnosed your itchy, red, irritated skin as atopic dermatitis, a chronic condition, commonly referred to as eczema.
Moisturizing Alone is Not Skin Barrier Repair
Typical moisturizers contain an occlusive ingredient, like petrolatum, which forms a temporary film on the surface of your skin to slow water loss. The addition of a humectant helps your skin feel better by drawing moisture from below the surface of the skin. You will need to do more than moisturize to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
EpiCeram contains in its formulation components to address the 3 main attributes a barrier repair product should include:
- Humectants: to attract water to the epidermis
- Occlusives: to retard water loss
- Functional Ingredients: may help decrease inflammation, reduce itching, and provide agents to simulate the intercellular lipids
Doing More with EpiCeram Skin Barrier Emulsion
Deliver a tri-lipid protectant barrier, which helps retain moisture, helps restore the pH, and allows the skin to heal. EpiCeram contains 3 essential lipids–ceramides, cholesterol and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)–in a physiologically balanced 3:1:1 ratio to help the management of skin barrier repair. EpiCeram is formulated at a healthy pH of 5.0.
A healthy skin barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. Use EpiCeram to provide moisture and a temporary protective barrier to help skin repair itself.
References:
Bikowski J. Understanding the Structure, Function, and Strategies
for Repair of the Epidermal Barrier. Practical Dermatology. 2009; May: 17-18
Epiceram® [package insert]. Scottsdale, AZ. Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2018.
Patient Resources
Have questions about EpiCeram? Contact one of our Customer Service Representatives at 1-855-838-2819 weekdays from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Arizona time.
It's What Goes On Beneath the Surface of Your Skin That Counts
Normal Healthy Skin Barrier
In normal skin, the skin barrier prevents excess water loss and prevents invasion by micro-organisms/allergens and chemicals
Skin Barrier in Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
When the skin barrier is broken down, as it is in diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), there is a reduction in the key lipids of the stratum corneum (ceramide, cholesterol and free fatty acids). This allows for greater loss of moisture and the entry of microbes and allergens.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers re-hydrate the skin and contain humectants and occlusives. Humectants like glycerin attract water into the corneocytes. Occlusives like petroleum jelly provide a physical barrier to seal in moisture and prevent water loss. These ingredients provide temporary relief for dry skin but do not correct the underlying problem in the matrix.
Barrier Repair with EpiCeram
In addition to moisturizing the skin with ingredients such as glycerin and petrolatum, EpiCeram replenishes the lipids in the stratum corneum by providing three essential ingredients, ceramide, cholesterol, and free fatty acid in a patented 3:1:1 ratio that mimics the natural level of the stratum corneum (outer most layer of the skin). EpiCeram helps repair the skin barrier by replenishing key lipids and may accelerate the healing process.
References:
1. Ali SM, Yosipovitch G. Skin pH: From Basic Science to Basic Skin Care. Acta Derm Venereol. 2013; 93: 261-267
2. Mao-Qiang M, Feingold KR, Thornfeld CR et al; Optimization of Physiological Lipid Mixtures for Barrier Repair. J Invest Dermatol. 1996; 106(5): 1096-1101
3. EpiCeram® [package insert]. Scottsdale, AZ. Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
EpiCeram Control Release Skin Barrier Emulsion is a prescription only, topical skin-barrier protection and moisturization product developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. EpiCeram contains 3 essential lipids-ceramides, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and cholesterol in a physiologically balanced patented 3:1:1 ratio. EpiCeram, with its unique formulation and delivery system helps address skin barrier protection. It is also steroid-free, fragrance free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and propylene glycol-free.
*Proprietary microencapsulation system for gradual delivery of key ingredients including Ceramide, CLA, Cholesterol and Palmitic Acid (Formulated with E.Cerifera (Candelilla) wax, corn syrup solids, and modified food starch).
EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion is to be used to treat dry skin conditions and to manage and relieve the burning and itching associated with various types of dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and radiation dermatitis. EpiCeram helps to relieve dry, waxy skin by maintaining a moist wound and skin environment, which is beneficial to the healing process.
EpiCeram creates a skin environment beneficial to the healing process in patients with Atopic Dermatitis. The MultiSal Encapsulation Delivery Technology is based on a unique proprietary system consisting of multi-component microspheres that contain submicron spheres. These submicron spheres are infused with the physiological lipid in an active form. Rubbing the emulsion onto the skin triggers this two-step delivery system. Once the microsphere is broken the submicron spheres gradually release the lipids over time. The special microsphere structure stabilizes the lipids from premature oxidation, maintaining the integrity of the product.
EpiCeram® [package insert]. Scottsdale, AZ. Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2018.
Administration of EpiCeram involves applying a thin layer to the affected skin two times per day (or as needed) and massaging it gently into the skin. If there are breaks in the skin, the affected area should be covered with a dressing of choice after treatment.
EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion is an atopic dermatitis treatment that aims to help repair the skin barrier abnormalities in atopic dermatitis. In this way, EpiCeram differs from other products such as corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators because it targets the outside-in model of atopic dermatitis by helping to repair the skin barrier with ingredients that intend to mimic the natural concentrations of lipids of normal, healthy skin.
EpiCeram can be used on adults and children; there are no age restrictions on the use of EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion.
Yes, EpiCeram can be used on the face and skin folds. There is no age or location restrictions for EpiCeram.
EpiCeram is a prescription-only medical device cleared by the FDA and is available through retail pharmacies or through Primus Care Direct. Primus Care Direct is a hassle-free, mail-order pharmacy that guarantees patients will pay the lowest possible price on their EpiCeram prescription.
EpiCeram is a FDA-cleared prescription medical device. EpiCeram has demonstrated efficacy in several atopic dermatitis clinical studies with more than 300 patients. It can be used in patients with mild to severe atopic dermatitis.
EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion does not contain a sunscreen and should always be used in conjunction with a sunscreen in sun exposed areas. In radiation dermatitis and/or in conjunction with ongoing radiation therapy apply following radiation therapy. Do not apply within 4 hours prior to radiation therapy. Apply twice daily or as indicated by the radiation therapist. After application, a temporary tingling sensation may occur (10 to 15 minutes). Keep this and similar products out of the reach of children. Follow directions for use. If condition does not improve within 10 to 14 days, consult a physician.
Following the application of EpiCeram a temporary tingling sensation may occur (10-15 minutes).
EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion is available in a 90g tube and a 225g airless pump.
References:
1. Kircik LH, Derl Rosso JQ, Aversa D. Evaluation Clinical use of a ceramide-dominant, physiologic lipid-based topical emulsion for atopic dermatitis. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. March 2011; 4 (3): 34-40.
2. Sugarman JL, Parish LC. Efficacy of a lipid-based barrier repair formulation in moderate-to-severe pediatric atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol.2009;8(12): 1106-1111.
3. EpiCeram® [package insert]. Scottsdale, AZ. Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2018.
