The effect of two skin cleansing systems on moderate xerotic eczema.

Background: Moderate xerotic eczema, characterized by stratum corneum desquamation, erythema, and pruritus is a common condition that can be induced or worsened by skin cleansing. Traditional dermatologic therapy includes the use of emollients, medium or high potency topical corticosteroids, and a change in bathing habits.
Objective: To investigate the effect of two cleansing systems: a synthetic detergent bar soap applied with a cotton washcloth and a petrolatum-delivering body wash applied with a polyethylene puff as part of a topical treatment approach to moderate xerotic eczema.
Method: Sixty patients with moderate xerotic eczema were enrolled in a 4-week investigator-blinded study. Half were randomly treated with a strong topical corticosteroid cream (0.05% fluocinonide) and a traditional cleansing system consisting of a synthetic detergent bar soap applied with a washcloth. The remaining patients were treated with a weaker, medium strength topical corticosteroid cream (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide) and a novel cleansing system consisting of a petrolatum-delivering body wash applied with a polyethylene puff. Dermatologist investigator evaluations and patient self-assessments were conducted at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Results: Patients using the novel petrolatum-delivering body wash and polyethylene puff cleansing system and the lower potency corticosteroid cream demonstrated significantly greater clinical improvement than those patients using the traditional cleansing system of a synthetic detergent beauty bar and washcloth system and the higher potency corticosteroid cream after both 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.
Conclusion: The cleansing system of a petrolatum-delivering body wash delivered by a polyethylene puff may be useful as a cleanser for patients with moderate xerotic eczema.