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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Arad
A
A
Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Mimouni
D
D
Ben-Amitai
D
D
Zeharia
A
A
Mimouni
M
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003963:Diaper Rash / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS) / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009824:Ointments; D015034:Zinc Oxide; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS)