COLLOIDAL OATMEAL
Place in Therapy
Judicious use of colloidal oatmeal as a colloid bath and as a skin cleanser does not irritate the inflamed skin any further and the inflammation of overtreatment of other dermatitis preparations is allowed to subside. Approximately 72% of the patients presenting with various dermatoses complaining of pruritus were relieved ofz their symptoms. Aveeno colloidal oatmeal exhibited a remarkable lack of skin-sensitizing and irritating properties, making this preparation highly valuable in avoiding the overtreatment of dermatitis. As well, the cleansing of soap-sensitive or irritated skin with Aveeno colloidal oatmeal proved to be very effective and did not remove the skin of its natural oils.
Colloidal oatmeal products contain starch and protein which are effect anti-pruritics. The addition of oatmeal products may aid with soothing the skin but they do not increase the skin’s ability to absorb water. For dry skin, colloidal oatemals are not as effective as oils in trapping water to maintain hydration unless the oilated versions are used. Bathing in colloidal oatmeals are most helpful if large areas of the body are involved. The effects of the oatmeal products last until they are removed with a towel. Colloidal oatmeal products that contain oils can act as an emollient.