title: Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oat (Avena sativa) in colloidal form is a centuries-old topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including skin rashes, erythema, burns, itch, and eczema; however, few studies have investigated the exact mechanism of action for the anti-inflammatory activity of colloidal oatmeal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four extracts of colloidal oatmeal were made with various solvents and tested in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. In addition, an investigator blind study was performed with twenty-nine healthy female subjects who exhibited bilateral mild to moderate itch with moderate to severe dry skin on their lower legs. Subjects were treated with a colloidal oatmeal skin protectant lotion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Extracts of colloidal oatmeal diminished pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and the colloidal oat skin protectant lotion showed significant clinical improvements in skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate that colloidal oat extracts exhibit direct anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may provide the mechanisms for observed dermatological benefits while using the colloidal oatmeal skin protectant lotion.
authors.forename: Kurt A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Reynertson
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garay
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nebus
authors.forename: Suhyoun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chon
authors.forename: Simarna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaur
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mahmood
authors.forename: Menas
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kizoulis
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Southall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018554:Avena / Q000737:chemistry*; D003102:Colloids; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D003102:Colloids; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012997:Solvents