Bath Oils
Place in Therapy
According to literature, the use of bath oils as part of atopic dermatitis therapy may be accepted due to its possible benefits of relieving dry and itchy skin diseases, along with evidence of its ability to reduce the use of steroids in patients. Bath oils would not be recommended due to variable tolerance and some findings that it may cause subclinical injuries when used at an incorrect dose. As well, they are less effective than lotions or creams which are applied directly to the skin. It is, however, important to consider the quality of the studies in literature as they were not blinded randomized control trials and the sample population size in the study groups. 1-5
Based on evidence from a meta-analyses and clinical practice guidelines, the use of bath emollients is accepted because of their ability to lock in moisture on the skin after bathing. In addition, the use of emollients alone in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is unlikely to provide efficacy in inflammation control, leaving this group of topical agents to be useful as adjunct therapy with the use of other dermatitis treatments, such as topical steroids.3,6-9
References
1. Loden M, Iburaczewska I, Edlund F. Irritation potential of bath and shower oils before and after use: a double-blind randomized study. Br J Dermatol. 2004; 150:1142-47.
2. Bettzuege-Pfaff BI, Melzer A. Treating dry skin and pruritus with a bath oil containing soya oil and lauromacrogols. Curr Med Res and Op. 2005;21(11):1735-39.
3. Sibbald D. Atopic, Contact and Stasis Dermatitis. In: Repchinsky C, Hutsul J, Jovaisas B, Lewis G, Perrier H, Riachi M, Ross A, editors. Patient Self-Care. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 510-533.
4. Tarr A, Iheanacho I. Should we use bath emollients for atopic eczema? BMJ. 2009;339:b4273.
5. Holden C, English J, Hoare C, Jordan A, Kownacki S, Turnbull R, et al. Advised best practice for the use of emollients in eczema and other dry skin conditions. J Dermatol Treat. 2002; 13:103-106.
6. Cerio R, Dohil M, Downie J, Magina S, Maje E, Stratigos AJ. Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice. J of Drugs in Dermatol. 2010; 9(9):1116-20.
7. Eichenfield LF, Fowler JF, Darrell RS, Taylor SC. Natural Advances in Eczema Care. Cutis. 2007; 80(suppl 6): 2-16.
8. Grais ML. Role of colloidal oatmeal in dermatological treatment of the aged. AMA Arch Derm Syphilol. 1953; 68(4):402-7.
9. Boussalult P, Leaute-Labreze C, Saubausse E, Maruice-Tison S, Perromat M, Roul S, et al. Oat Sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy. 2007;62:1251-1256.