Effect of a Spray Containing Occlusive Agents, Humectants and Physiological Lipids on Skin Hydration of Healthy Dogs When Applied After Bathing With a Chlorhexidine 2%/Miconazole 2% Shampoo.

Background: Normal hydration of the canine epidermis is imperative for cutaneous homeostasis. Xerosis may be encountered in canine atopic dermatitis and is aggravated by topical antiseptics.

Hypothesis and objectives: To evaluate the hydrating properties and the safety of a spray (Sensiderm spray; MP Labo) when applied after shampooing healthy dogs with a chlorhexidine 2%/miconazole 2% product.

Animals: Twelve clinically healthy, privately owned dogs.

Materials and methods: Dogs were clipped on the top of the head (control site), right and left lateral thorax. They were bathed on the body trunk with the chlorhexidine 2%/miconazole 2% shampoo and subsequently sprayed with Sensiderm on their randomly selected right or left side of the thorax. Skin hydration was measured by electrical capacitance using a corneometer on the three sites before (time point [T]0), and 1-2 h (T1), 6 h (T2), 24 h (T3), 48 h (T4) and 72 h (T5) after interventions.

Results: Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of time (p = 0.015) and a significant time-treatment interaction (p = 0.023) on skin hydration. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the effect of time was significant only on the Sensiderm spray-treated site, where skin hydration increased over baseline at T1 (p = 0.009; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.158-17.231), peaked at T2 (p ≤ 0.014 and 95% CI ≥ 1.680 compared with T0, T3, T4 and T5) and remained increased at T3 (p ≤ 0.037 and 95% CI ≥ 0.482 compared with T0 and T5). No treatment-related adverse effects were seen.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Sensiderm spray was safe, and it increased hydration of healthy canine skin for ≥ 24 h.