Colloidal Oatmeal, USP

Michelle Garay, M., et al. J Drugs Dermatol, 2015, 14(1), 43-48.

Colloidal form of oatmeal (Avena sativa) has been reported to treat a variety of skin conditions, including rashes, erythema, burns, pruritus, and eczema. This work investigated the exact mechanism of action of colloidal oatmeal's anti-inflammatory activity. The results showed that colloidal oat extracts possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as evidenced by reduced NF-κB promoter activity, reduced ROS production, and reduced IL-8 production.
Assessment methods and results
· Four forms of colloidal oatmeal were prepared using different solvents and then evaluated in tests measuring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A double-blind study was conducted involving twenty-nine healthy female participants who had mild to moderate itchiness and moderate to severe dry skin on their lower legs. These individuals were given a colloidal oatmeal skin protectant lotion.
· Analysis of the subjects' lower legs revealed significant enhancements (P< 0.05) in skin dryness, scaling, roughness, itching, and cracking after just one day of utilizing the lotion containing oat extract compared to their initial average values. These improvements continued to progress over the 7- and 14-day periods. By the end of the 14-day period, all subjects exhibited enhancements in cracking, scaling, and skin dryness. Furthermore, measurements of TEWL and corneometer showed noticeable improvements (P< 0.05) at 7 and 14 days.

Sobhan, Mohammadreza, et al. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020, 241-251.

A double-blind trial evaluated the clinical benefit of 1% colloidal oatmeal cream in the treatment of chronic irritant hand eczema (HE). Results indicate that colloidal oatmeal, with its proven barrier protective, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, may improve symptoms of eczema severity in patients with chronic irritant HE.
Assessment methods and results
· A total of 79 patients diagnosed with chronic irritant hand eczema (HE) were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using block randomization. In addition to using fluocinolone 0.025% ointment for the initial 2 weeks of treatment, patients in both groups were instructed to apply either colloidal oatmeal 1% cream or a base cream as monotherapy for an additional 4 weeks.
· Of the original 79 patients, a total of 50 participants completed the study, with 26 in the intervention group and 24 in the control group. While both groups showed a similar reduction in mean hand eczema severity index (HESCI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores by the end of week 2, it was noted that the intervention group maintained their improvement throughout the study period, whereas the control group experienced a significant return of symptoms to baseline levels (p value<0.001 for both groups). Additionally, there was a marked improvement in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score for the intervention group compared to the control group (p value<0.001).