Clinical and mycological benefits of topical application of honey, olive oil and beeswax in diaper dermatitis

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2005 Feb;11(2):160-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2004.01013.x.

Abstract

Twelve infants suffering from diaper dermatitis were treated four times daily for 7 days with a mixture containing honey, olive oil and beeswax. The severity of erythema was evaluated on a five-point scale. Three infants had severe erythema and ulceration, four had moderate erythema, and five had moderate erythema with maceration. The initial mean lesion score of 2.91 +/- 0.79 declined significantly (p < 0.05) to 2.0 +/- 0.98 (day 3), 1.25 +/- 0.96 (day 5) and 0.66 +/- 0.98 (day 7). Candida albicans was isolated initially from four patients, but from only two patients after treatment. This topical treatment was safe and well-tolerated, and demonstrated clinical and mycological benefits in the treatment of diaper dermatitis.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Candida albicans / isolation & purification*
  • Diaper Rash / microbiology
  • Diaper Rash / therapy*
  • Female
  • Honey*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Olive Oil
  • Plant Oils / therapeutic use*
  • Waxes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Olive Oil
  • Plant Oils
  • Waxes
  • beeswax