Efficacy of topical application of eosin compared with zinc oxide paste and corticosteroid cream for diaper dermatitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Corticosteroids, zinc paste and eosin 2% are well-known topical agents for the treatment of moderate to severe diaper dermatitis. Among these treatments, the aqueous solution of eosin 2% is extensively used in several European countries, but not in the USA or Israel.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the therapeutic efficacy of eosin 2% solution compared to the other treatment modalities for diaper dermatitis.

METHODS:

Fifty-four infants with diaper dermatitis, recruited from hospital wards and community clinics, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: zinc oxide paste (containing allantoin 0.5%, cod liver oil 17% and zinc oxide 47epercnt;); clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, and aqueous solution of eosin 2%. The severity of the disorder was graded on a 6-point scale by observation and quantitative measurement of the lesions. The groups were compared for rates and time to heal. Due to the red color of eosin, a double-blind controlled study was impossible.

RESULTS:

Following 5 days of treatment, the rate of complete healing in the group treated with eosin (61%) was significantly higher (p = 0.0479) than that in the zinc oxide paste and corticosteroid groups (22 and 33%, respectively). Furthermore, in cases of partial healing, the degree of improvement was higher in the eosin group than the other two (p = 0.0205). The fastest improvement was observed in the group treated with corticosteroid cream.

CONCLUSION:

Considering the potential hazards of topical corticosteroids and the greater overall efficacy of eosin 2% solution, we suggest that eosin is the preferred treatment for diaper dermatitis.

• Authors: A Arad, D Mimouni, D Ben-Amitai, A Zeharia, M Mimouni
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 199 Issue 4 Pg. 319-22 ( 1999) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 10640841 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright (R) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Ointments
• Zinc Oxide
• Eosine Yellowish-(YS)

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Diaper Rash (drug therapy)
• Eosine Yellowish-(YS) (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Ointments
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin (drug effects, pathology)
• Treatment Outcome
• Zinc Oxide (therapeutic use)