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

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Jun;15(2):117-9. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12199. Epub 2015 Nov 24.

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.

Keywords: barrier damage; botanical moisturizer; eczema; itch.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cohort Studies
  • Eczema / drug therapy*
  • Eczema / 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

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Nonprescription Drugs