A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Abstract

Various Aloe vera extracts are widely used in a variety of over-the-counter skin products, but only a few studies have been conducted to provide support for the use of Aloe vera (A. barbadensis), one of the most commonly used species of Aloe vera, in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder for which available topical treatment may be helpful but not curative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an emulsion formulated from a crude extract of Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) on seborrheic dermatitis. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled prospective clinical trial was performed in 44 adult patients with seborrheic dermatitis. A comparison of symptom scores in the Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) and placebo groups, before and after treatment revealed a significant decrease in scaliness, pruritus and the number of sites involved in seborrheic dermatitis, but not in erythema. Global improvement rates in patients treated with Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) were significantly higher than in placebo-treated patients, as assessed by both dermatologists (58% and 15%, respectively; P=0.009) and patients (62% and 25%, respectively; P=0.03). The results of the present study indicate that Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) crude extract emulsion is effective in the therapy of patients with seborrheic dermatitis.

Key Words:

• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Topical treatment
• Aloe vera
• Aloe barbadensis