title: Efficacy of Topical Application of Emu Oil on Areola Skin Barrier in Breastfeeding Women.
abstract: Appropriate hydration and skin surface pH are of fundamental importance in preventing areola skin barrier damage and breastfeeding success. We studied the dermal effects of emu oil on areola skin soon after birth in 70 at-term breastfeeding mothers by noninvasive bioengineering method. Emu oil-based cream was found to be effective in improving stratum corneum hydration of breast areolae (mean ± standard deviation, from 56.9 ± 18.2 to 65.0 ± 17.2 conventional units, P < .003) and did not affect skin pH, temperature, or elasticity. The significant improvement in hydration values was more pronounced in the puerperae presenting with basal hydration in the lower quartiles (mean ± standard deviation, from 41.6 ± 17.2 to 59.6 ± 21.2 conventional units, P < .001). Further studies are warranted to confirm the long-term beneficial effects of this preparation in a very sensitive patient population.
authors.affiliation: Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy vincenzo.zanardo@libero.it.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zanardo
authors.affiliation: Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giarrizzo
authors.affiliation: Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maiolo
authors.affiliation: Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Straface
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009558:Nipples / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009821:Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D009821:Oils; C575034:emu Oil
keywords: areola hydration; breastfeeding; emu oil; topical treatment