Rapid Improvement and Protective Effects of an Almond Oil-Based Ointment for Diaper Dermatitis

November 2016 | Volume 15 | Issue 11 | Supplement Individual Articles | 86 | Copyright © November 2016


Peter A. Lio MD

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Compared to the initial state of the infants DD, the results indicated that the almond oil-based topical product was effective. There are many types of barrier preparations available for both the prevention and treatment of DD. These may contain petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, dimethicone, and/or other occlusants and protectants. Some studies have shown that certain preparations are effective in treating DD, 12 while others have not found an effect of diaper creams on the frequency or severity of DD. 13 
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Newborns and infants frequently develop dermatitis in the diaper region and this likely reflects an impaired skin barrier in this area. 14 Supportive measures have been shown to restore the skin barrier, decreasing transepidermal water loss, 7 but literature reviews fail to identify a superior preparation for this task. 15  In the present study, the almond oil-based ointment appeared to confer a protective effect against future episodes of diaper dermatitis, with 90% of the subjects showing a decrease in frequency or total absence of diaper dermatitis after using the ointment. In addition to this important finding, the significant decrease (P<0.01) in skin dryness and roughness, as well as the significant increase (P<0.01) in suppleness of skin, bolster the notion that barrier repair and maintenance are at play. Correspondingly, the users also evaluated the product effectiveness according to 5 items. The results show that 100% of the users estimate that the product leaves the skin soft and hydrated. Ninety-eight percent also report that product efficiently protects the baby’s bottom, and ninety-seven percent reported that the product leaves the skin more supple.The cosmetic aspects were judged and found that 100% of the users felt that the product does not irritate the skin, that its texture is pleasant, and that it was able to coat the skin well. The scent was judged as pleasant by 95% of users, while 75% reported that the product texture was not oily. In sum, 97% of the users judged the product as overall satisfactory and 88% indicated they would purchase it. The assessors have also evaluated the product. The obtained results show that for all the examined cases, both dermatologists and pediatricians felt that the product respects the skin hydration. Ninety-five percent of assessors reported that the product reduces diaper rash intensity and frequency. Overall, these results support the efficacy of the diaper ointment for mild to moderate DD, making it a suitable choice for protective care against DD, in particular for children with a predilection to frequent dermatitis in the diaper area. 
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Dr. Lio has served as a consultant/advisor and speaker for Valeant, Regeneron/Sanofi, and Pierre Fabre. He has served as a consultant/advisor for Anacor, AO Biome, Exeltis, Galderma, Johnson & Johnson, Theraplex, and Mission, and has received an honorarium for his work on this supplement sponsored by Galderma. 

REFERENCES

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Peter A. Lio MD p-lio@northwestern.edu