Before describing the effects of vitamin B5 (Panthenol or Dexpanthenol) on Eczema Skin Health, let’s talk about the Eczema and atopic dermatitis. Eczema and atopic dermatitis are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference between the two terms:
Eczema:
Broader Term: Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itching, redness, dryness, and irritation. It can manifest in various forms, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Symptoms: The general symptoms of eczema include:
Itching (a hallmark feature)
Redness
Dryness
Scaly patches
Blisters (in some cases)
Atopic Dermatitis:
Specific Type of Eczema: Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, affecting 10-20% of children and 3-5% of adults. It is a chronic condition with a genetic predisposition and often associated with other allergies like asthma or hay fever.
Symptoms: Atopic dermatitis shares the general symptoms of eczema but often has a characteristic distribution pattern. In infants, it typically affects the face, scalp, and extensor surfaces (outer sides) of arms and legs. In adults, it tends to affect the flexor surfaces (inner sides) of elbows and knees, hands, feet, and eyelids.
Fortunately, the vitamin B5 has effects on eczema including atopic dermatitis1. Recent studies suggest the vitamin B5 (Panthenol or Dexpanthenol) may offer several benefits:
Reduced Inflammation: Panthenol might help reduce inflammation, a key feature of eczema1,2,11. It might achieve this by:
Inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators: Panthenol might suppress the production of molecules that contribute to inflammation in the skin.
Promoting anti-inflammatory pathways: It might activate pathways that promote the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.
Improved Skin Barrier Function: A healthy skin barrier is crucial for preventing irritation and dryness in eczema3,4. Panthenol might:
Increase Hydration: It acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, improving hydration and reducing dryness.
Promote Barrier Repair: Panthenol might stimulate the production of essential components of the skin barrier, strengthening its defense against irritants.
Reduced Itching: Eczema often causes intense itching. Panthenol's potential anti-inflammatory properties might indirectly contribute to reduced itching.
Molecular Mechanism of Action:
The exact mechanisms of panthenol's effects in eczema are still being explored, but some potential pathways include1,4,5,6.
Pantothenic Acid Conversion: Panthenol is converted to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in the skin. Vitamin B5 is a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which is involved in numerous cellular processes, including those related to skin barrier function and inflammation.
Panthenol-Specific Effects: While some effects might be due to its conversion to vitamin B5, panthenol itself might have independent actions on skin cells. Research suggests it might:
Activate PPAR receptors: These receptors play a role in skin barrier function and inflammation regulation.
Modulate cytokine production: Cytokines are signaling molecules involved in inflammation. Panthenol might influence the production of certain cytokines.
Those mechanisms are supported by several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that dexpanthenol promotes fibroblast proliferation, accelerates re-epithelization, moisturizes the skin, restores the skin barrier, and heals wounds 4,5,6. In animal studies, dexpanthenol demonstrated cell proliferation and epithelium protection 7,8,9. Owing to these effects, J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 3943 4 of 11 the combination of dexpanthenol with nasal decongestants could relieve symptoms in patients with acute rhinitis10. Dexpanthenol protected against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice11.
The current evidence on panthenol for eczema comes primarily from small-scale studies. More research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and optimal usage for eczema management.
All HUNYULE products contain a high concentration of vitamin B5.
References
1. Cho, YS.; Kim, HO.; Woo, SM.; Lee DH. Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence. J Clin Med. 2022 Jul 6;11(14):3943
2. Gorski, J.; Proksch, E.; Baron, J.M.; Schmid, D.; Zhang, L. Dexpanthenol in Wound Healing after Medical and Cosmetic Interventions (Postprocedure Wound Healing). Pharmaceuticals 2020, 13, 138.
3. Proksch, E.; de Bony, R.; Trapp, S.; Boudon, S. Topical use of dexpanthenol: A 70th anniversary article. J. Dermatol. Treat. 2017, 28, 766–773.
4. Ebner, F.; Heller, A.; Rippke, F.; Tausch, I. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. Am. J. Clin. Dermatol. 2002, 3, 427–433.
5. Stettler, H.; Kurka, P.; Lunau, N.; Manger, C.; Bohling, A.; Bielfeldt, S.; Wilhelm, K.P.; Dahnhardt-Pfeiffer, S.; Dahnhardt, D.; Brill, F.H.H.; et al. A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora. J. Dermatol. Treat. 2017, 28, 173–180.
6. Gorski, J.; Proksch, E.; Baron, J.M.; Schmid, D.; Zhang, L. Dexpanthenol in Wound Healing after Medical and Cosmetic Interventions (Postprocedure Wound Healing). Pharmaceuticals 2020, 13, 138.
7. Etensel, B.; Ozkisacik, S.; Ozkara, E.; Karul, A.; Oztan, O.; Yazici, M.; Gürsoy, H. Dexpanthenol attenuates lipid peroxidation and testicular damage at experimental ischemia and reperfusion injury. Pediatr. Surg. Int. 2007, 23, 177–181.
8. Altintas, R.; Parlakpinar, H.; Beytur, A.; Vardi, N.; Polat, A.; Sagir, M.; Odabas, G.P. Protective effect of dexpanthenol on ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury in rats. Kidney Blood Press. Res. 2012, 36, 220–230.
9. Slyshenkov, V.S.; Omelyanchik, S.N.; Moiseenok, A.G.; Trebukhina, R.V.; Wojtczak, L. Pantothenol protects rats against some deleterious effects of gamma radiation. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 1998, 24, 894–899.
10. Mosges, R.; Shah-Hosseini, K.; Hucke, H.P.; Joisten, M.J. Dexpanthenol: An Overview of its Contribution to Symptom Relief in Acute Rhinitis Treated with Decongestant Nasal Sprays. Adv. Ther. 2017, 34, 1850–1858.
11. Li-Mei, W.; Jie, T.; Shan-He, W.; Dong-Mei, M.; Peng-Jiu, Y. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Dexpanthenol on Lipopolysaccharide Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice. Inflammation 2016, 39, 1757–1763.
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