Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin illness characterized by immunological dysregulation, skin barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and microbial colonization, leading to erythema, pruritus, and reduced quality of life. Conventional treatments, such as calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids, alleviate symptoms but are linked to poor patient compliance, immunosuppression, and long-term side effects. Curcuma longa is the source of curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic chemical with strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial properties that make it a prospective treatment for AD. However, poor water solubility, chemical instability, low skin penetration, and formulation issues including stains and odor hinder its clinical translation. Nano-enabled topical delivery methods, including nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, and vesicular carriers (liposomes, ethosomes, transfersomes), has been developed to address these restrictions. These nano-systems increase the solubility of curcumin, shield it from deterioration, promote epidermal and dermal penetration, offer regulated and prolonged release, and lessen local discomfort and systemic exposure. Evaluation factors such as particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, skin permeability, stability, and in vivo efficacy confirm the higher performance of nano-curcumin formulations compared to conventional preparations. This thesis addresses the therapeutic potential of curcumin in AD, stressing the role of nano-enabled administration in increasing bioavailability, skin retention, and patient compliance. Future research ought to concentrate on well-designed clinical trials, combination therapy with existing anti-AD medications, targeted and personalized nano-delivery techniques, and long-term safety assessments to assist regulatory approval and clinical translation.
Tabis* et al. (Mon,) studied this question.