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

Summary 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.