A pilot study investigating the efficacy of botanical anti-inflammatory agents in an OTC eczema therapy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Eczema is a frequently encountered dermatologic condition characterized by inflammation resulting in erythema, scaling, induration, and lichenification.

AIMS:

The objective of this research was to examine the roll of botanical anti-inflammatories in alleviating the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate eczema.

METHOD:

A total of 25 subjects 18+ years of age with mild-to-moderate eczema were asked to leave all oral medications and cleansers unchanged substituting the botanical study moisturizer for all topical treatment three times daily for 2 weeks. Investigator, subject, and noninvasive assessments were obtained at baseline and week 2.

RESULTS:

There was a highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement in investigator-assessed irritation, erythema, desquamation, roughness, dryness, lichenification, itching, and overall skin appearance after 2 weeks of botanical anti-inflammatory moisturizer use. Overall, a 79% reduction in itching was noted. Skin hydration as measured by corneometry increased 44% increase (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The study moisturizer containing the occlusive ingredients of dimethicone and shea butter oil; the humectant ingredients of glycerin, vitamin B, sodium PCA, and sodium hyaluronate; the barrier repair ingredients of ceramide 3, cholesterol, phytosphingosine, ceramide 6 II, and ceramide 1; and the botanical anti-inflammatories allantoin and bisabolol were helpful in reducing the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate eczema.

• Authors: Zoe Diana Draelos
• Journal: Journal of cosmetic dermatology (J Cosmet Dermatol) Vol. 15 Issue 2 Pg. 117-9 (Jun 2016) ISSN: 1473-2165 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26596512 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Nonprescription Drugs

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage)
• Biopsy, Needle
• Cohort Studies
• Eczema (drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nonprescription Drugs (administration & dosage)
• Phytotherapy (methods)
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Severity of Illness Index
• Statistics, Nonparametric
• Treatment Outcome