Colloidal oatmeal, prescription cream comparable in Black children with atopic dermatitis

Key takeaways:

• By week 3, mean EASI scores decreased 2.4 and 2.1 from baseline in the 1% oatmeal and barrier cream groups, respectively.
• Colloidal oatmeal 1% cream offered a cost-effective option to those without insurance.

Colloidal oatmeal 1%, a natural and affordable cream, is just as effective as prescription barrier cream in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in Black children, according to a study.

A randomized, double-blind, two-arm trial previously found that over-the-counter colloidal oatmeal 1% cream is equally as effective and safe as a steroid-free prescription barrier cream in the treatment of AD in children of various races and ethnicities.

Using the data from this study, Tonianne Lisante, scientific engagement manager at Kenvue, and colleagues analyzed a subgroup of 49 Black children to evaluate the outcomes of the two creams on AD in this population.

“The results of this study show that colloidal oatmeal is not only efficacious in reducing signs and symptoms of eczema as determined by a trained professional in this population, but also from the perspective of the patient which is important for driving compliance especially in these patient skin types where data are lacking,” Lisante told Healio.

Patients aged 2 to 15 years were randomly assigned to receive one of the topicals. Patients and/or caregivers were instructed to apply their assigned topical twice daily or as needed for 3 weeks while also avoiding the use of moisturizers or emollients.

By week 3, mean EASI scores decreased 2.4 and 2.1 from baseline in the 1% oatmeal and prescription barrier cream groups, respectively. IGA-dermatitis assessment scores also decreased from baseline by 0.6 for the oatmeal group and 0.7 for the barrier cream group.

Improvements were seen as early as week 1 with mean decreases in EASI score of 2.2 in the colloidal oatmeal cream group and 1.7 in the prescription barrier cream group.

Among the signs and symptoms that rapidly improved in the oatmeal and barrier cream groups, respectively, were itch (43.1% and 33.3%), skin appearance (18% and 34.9%), dryness/flakiness (54.8% and 80.3%), redness (26% and 21.7%), moisturization (59.6% and 55.2%) and sleep quality (19.9% and 8.9%).

Patients and caregivers also reported high satisfaction with both products. In the colloidal oatmeal cream group, 88% indicated they would use the cream daily rather than occasionally, 96% thought the cream was appropriate to use all over the body and 100% believed the cream was appropriate for children.

Patients in the prescription barrier cream group reported similar rates of satisfaction except when asked if they would use the cream all over their body (76%).

Additionally, colloidal oatmeal cream is an easily accessible and cost-effective product and may be beneficial for those who experience insurance coverage issues, according to the researchers.