ABSTRACT
Dexpanthenol containing creams and ointments has been widely used for treatment of several skin conditions, in particular for superficial wounds and lesions of the skin and mucous membranes and for conditions characterized by disturbed stratum corneum morphology and altered permeability barrier function (e.g., dry skin). Wounds and skin conditions with impaired barrier function are some of the most common problems in medicine. Millions of dollars are spent every year for treatment of these disorders. Several studies have shown that topical treatment with dexpanthenol containing creams and ointments is effective. These results suggest an important function of the substance in skin physiology and therefore indicate that dexpanthenol is a substance with characteristics of both drugs and cosmeceuticals.
