LIPOSOMAL HYDROGELS AS ADVANCED TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR DERMATITIS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
Harsh Dubey, Satkar Prasad
ABSTRACT
Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, pruritus, dryness, scaling, and impaired skin barrier function. The condition affects a significant proportion of the global population and is influenced by genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, environmental factors, allergens, irritants, and psychological stress. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but may be associated with adverse effects during prolonged use. Consequently, the development of advanced topical drug delivery systems has gained considerable attention for improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Liposomes are phospholipid-based vesicular carriers capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, thereby enhancing drug stability, skin penetration, and targeted delivery. Their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to reduce systemic toxicity make them attractive candidates for dermatological applications. Hydrogels, on the other hand, are three-dimensional hydrophilic polymeric networks capable of retaining large amounts of water and providing controlled drug release, improved skin hydration, and prolonged residence time at the site of application. The combination of liposomes and hydrogels into a liposomal hydrogel system offers synergistic advantages, including enhanced drug permeation, sustained release, improved therapeutic efficacy, and better patient acceptability. This review highlights the pathophysiology and types of dermatitis, the structure and properties of liposomes, hydrogel classification and preparation methods, and the potential applications of liposomal hydrogels in topical drug delivery. The integration of liposomal carriers within hydrogel matrices represents a promising strategy for the effective management of dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders.
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