Validating topical skin therapies in randomised controlled studies

TOPICAL therapy has played an important role in the management of allergic and infectious skin diseases in human medicine for a long time (Callen and others 2007, Simpson 2010). There are many different topical vehicles and modes of application: sprays, lotions, gels, creams and ointments. As dogs are, in contrast to people, so much hairier and lesions are often widespread, shampoo therapy is considered the most effective method of application (Guaguere 1996). The main goal of topical therapy is to minimise the need for systemic therapy. In allergic diseases, pruritus can be reduced by removing allergens, desensitising the skin or developing an antipruritic effect with the use of antipruriginous ingredients, although these ingredients are vaguely defined. Many agents are thought to maintain or replace the skin's moisture and to have emollient effects, adding …