FULL SUPPLEMENT: The Biological Impact of Oats: Eczema and Beyond

October 2020 | Volume 19 | Issue 10 | Department | s2 | Copyright © October 2020


Published online September 21, 2020

Blair Allais MD and Adam Friedman MD FAAD

Department of Dermatology, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC

Abstract
The objective of this Supplement is to highlight the data supporting the use of colloidal oatmeal in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions resulting from an impaired skin barrier or inflammation.  Clinical efficacy and tolerance will be highlighted.

While colloidal oatmeal is the only ingredient in the skin protectant FDA monograph indicated for atopic dermatitis, there are still gaps in knowledge among professionals on the mechanisms of action that make this ingredient efficacious for conditions with impaired barrier function and inflammation. Upon completion of this Supplement, readers should understand the mechanisms of action of all components of oats that contribute to demonstrated efficacy in atopic dermatitis as well as other skin conditions and populations that have impaired barrier function and chronic itch associated with eczema/dry skin.

This Supplement contains two parts. Part I focuses on the history of oats, basic oat science, mechanisms of action, and research highlighting the efficacy of colloidal oatmeal in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Part II features use in atopic dermatitis in special populations and clinical efficacy and tolerance beyond eczema. 
In this supplement:

Colloidal Oatmeal Part I: History, Basic Science, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Colloidal oatmeal has a long-standing history in the treatment of dermatologic disease. It is composed of various phytochemicals, which contribute to its wide-ranging function and clinical use. It has various mechanisms of action including direct anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, pre-biotic, barrier repair properties, and beneficial effects on skin pH. These have been shown to be of particular benefit in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we will explore the history of colloidal oatmeal, basic science, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Read full article here.

Colloidal Oatmeal Part II: Atopic Dermatitis in Special Populations and Clinical Efficacy and Tolerance Beyond Eczema

Colloidal oatmeal has a diverse array of applications, clinical benefits, and uses beyond atopic dermatitis. First and foremost, it has been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in skin of color. It has also been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of hand dermatitis, xerosis, psoriasis, skin manifestations of diabetes, and in the treatment of cutaneous adverse effects associated with oncologic therapies. In Part II of this 2-part series, we examine the efficacy, safety, and expansive clinical applications of colloidal oatmeal. 

Read full article here.