A randomised trial of honey barrier cream versus zinc oxide ointment

Abstract

In this single-blind multicentre, intervention study, 31 patients with symmetrical intertrigo in large skin folds were included to study the clinical effect of two topical treatments, i.e. standard therapy with zinc oxide ointment versus honey barrier cream. Patients were treated twice daily for 21 days, and the severity of intertrigo was scored in an observation period of 21 days. Patients were used as their own controls by treating symmetrical skin folds, on the left and right side. There was no significant difference in treatment effect between intervention groups. For the majority of patients, both treatments were effective. However, the use of honey barrier cream showed lower pruritus complaints (12.9% versus 29.0%). Honey barrier cream is a suitable alternative in the treatment of intertrigo, and promotes patient comfort.