Comparing the Effects of Aloe Vera Ointment with Routine Treatment on the Severity of Diaper Dermatitis: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Fatemeh Shirazi,Sima Ghanipour Badelbuu,Naser Parizad,Vahid Alinejad,Shiva Heidari

doi:10.34172/ddj.2020.06

Abstract

Background: Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a prevalent skin disease in children, which causes child discomfort and parental concern. This study aimed to compare the effects of aloe vera ointment with routine treatment on the severity of DD in hospitalized children. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded randomized clinical trial was carried out on 60 children aged less than two years admitted to Tabriz pediatric hospital in Iran from February to June 2017. Using convenience sampling method, the patients were assigned into two equal groups (n=30 in each) of intervention and control. The intervention group received routine combination treatment, whereas the control group received aloe vera ointment. The patients were examined on the first, third, and sixth days of the study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22) and descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The severity of DD in both groups improved on the sixth day compared to the first day. In comparison, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the severity of dermatitis (P>0.05). Conclusion: Herbal products cause fewer side effects than chemical products and seem to have significant pharmacological effects on the skin. Thus, aloe vera ointment appears to help treat DD and, with further studies, may emerge as a possible therapeutic option.

Highlights

Diaper dermatitis (DD), known as nappy rash and irritant napkin dermatitis, is dermatitis typically limited, at least primarily, to the area covered by a diaper
Materials and Methods Study Design and Population This double-blinded, randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged less than two years admitted to Tabriz pediatric hospital in Iran from February to June 2017
Two patients were discharged from the hospital in the control group, and we lost them in the follow-up

Summary

Introduction

Diaper dermatitis (DD), known as nappy rash and irritant napkin dermatitis, is dermatitis typically limited, at least primarily, to the area covered by a diaper. A combination of topical medications, such as corticosteroids and antifungals drugs under the barrier creams are usually used to control inflammation and fungal infection in children with severe DD. Aloe vera has numerous medicinal properties, such as antiinflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and wound-healing effects, accelerating wound healing [7]. These chemical medications, that are routinely used to treat DD, cause numerous complications, such as secondary rashes, telangiectasia, skin atrophy, and allergic dermatitis. This study aimed to compare the effects of aloe vera ointment with routine treatment on the severity of DD in hospitalized children. The intervention group received routine combination treatment, whereas the control group received aloe vera ointment.

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Conclusion