Welcome to the JDD Oats in Skincare Educational Resource Center. JDD is pleased to present a variety of evidence-based educational resources discussing the role of colloidal oatmeal in the management of cutaneous conditions. Materials presented will review the efficacy, safety, and expansive applications of colloidal oatmeal in skin care. Please bookmark this page and visit often to receive additional resources on the use of oats in the management of skin disorders and maintenance of healthy skin.

Active naturals in dermatology have been experiencing a renaissance. Many of the naturals that have been known for centuries to be effective for various skin conditions have now been scientifically validated with the unraveling of the pathophysiology behind their medicinal mechanism.

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.

BACKGROUND: Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) is a dif cult and hard to manage condition. It occurs more frequently in certain occupations where contact with harsh chemicals, use of alcohol-based disinfectants, and frequent hand washing heightens the risk. Treatment for OICD includes patient education in addition to physical, topical, and systemic therapies. 

Oats (Avena sativa) are a centuries-old topical treatment for a variety of skin barrier conditions, including dry skin, skin rashes, and eczema; however, few studies have investigated the actual mechanism of action for the skin barrier strengthening activity of colloidal oatmeal. Four extracts of colloidal oatmeal were prepared with various solvents and tested in vitro for skin barrier related gene expression and activity. Extracts of colloidal oatmeal were found to induce the expression of genes related to epidermal differentiation, tight junctions and lipid regulation in skin, and provide pH-buffering capacity. Colloidal oatmeal boosted the expression of multiple target genes related to skin barrier, and resulted in recovery of barrier damage in an in vitro model of atopic dermatitis. 

Colloidal oatmeal has a diverse array of applications, clinical benefits, and uses beyond atopic dermatitis. First and foremost, it has been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in skin of color. It has also been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of hand dermatitis, xerosis, psoriasis, skin manifestations of diabetes, and in the treatment of cutaneous adverse effects associated with oncologic therapies. In Part II of this 2-part series, we examine the efficacy, safety, and expansive clinical applications of colloidal oatmeal.

Oats (Avena sativa) are a centuries-old topical treatment for a variety of skin barrier conditions, including dry skin, skin rashes, and eczema; however, few studies have investigated the actual mechanism of action for the skin barrier strengthening activity of colloidal oatmeal.

Colloidal oatmeal has a long history of beneficial use in dermatology. It is a natural product that has an excellent safety record and has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, drug-induced rash and other conditions.

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.

Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation associated with various xerotic dermatoses. In 1945, a ready to use colloidal oatmeal, produced by finely grinding the oat and boiling it to extract the colloidal material, became available.

Xerosis is a common skin condition, occurring most often in the winter and in low relative humidity, which results in loss of moisture, cracking, and desquamation. Many emollient creams and lotions are available for use as preventive moisturizers. However, few controlled experiments have been published comparing the efficacy of active moisturizing products versus the vehicle used to deliver the products to the skin. Therefore, we conducted this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study to objectively compare a commercially available moisturizing product against its own vehicle. The active colloidal oatmeal moisturizer used in this study showed significant benefits versus its vehicle control in several dermatological parameters used to measure skin dryness.

As the rst point of contact with a potentially drying external environment, the primary function of the stratum corneum (SC) is to limit evaporative water loss from the aqueous interior. Yet this is just one of many functionalities conferred by this unique barrier, also protecting against mechanical insults, the assault of foreign chemicals, and microorganisms, and even serving as the rst inherent defense against ultraviolet radiation. Beyond

Stratum corneum (SC) abnormalities are associated with disease-affected skin conditions such as inflammatory acne. Current topical acne treatment options including benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can worsen the barrier dysfunctions by increasing transepidermal water loss, depleting SC vitamin E levels, and relatively decreasing SC thickness. However, strategies exist to employ these treatments in a more effective manner and lessen barrier function disruption including use of less irritating vehicles or concomitant application of moisturizers.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin condition characterized by pruritus, inflammation, and acute are-ups of eczematous lesions over dry skin,¹ affects approximately 15% to 20% children and approximately 1% to 3% adults worldwide,² with slightly higher rates of incidence in the United States (children, 10%–25%; adults, 3%–5%).^3,4 The wide range of clinical manifestations, the visible nature of the disease, and the intense itching associated with sleep disturbances, significantly affects patients’ quality of life and is a burden on healthcare resources.⁴

Colloidal oatmeal has a long history of beneficial use in dermatology. It is a natural product that has an excellent safety record and has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, drug-induced rash and other conditions. In recent years, in vitro and in vivo studies have begun to elucidate the multiple mechanisms of action of naturally derived colloidal oatmeal. Evidence now describes its molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity. The avenanthramides, a recently described component of whole oat grain, are responsible for many of these effects. Studies have demonstrated that avenanthramides can inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and histamine, well known key mechanisms in the pathophysiology of inflammatory dermatoses. Topical formulations of natural colloidal oatmeal should be considered an important component of therapy for atopic dermatitis and other conditions and may allow for reduced use of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors

Herbal products have steadily gained popularity as alternatives to conventional, synthetic medications and are sought after by patients for the treatment of chronic dermatologic diseases and for cosmeceutical use. The production and distribution of botanical extracts is largely unregulated and therefore extensive research into their mechanism of action, safety, physiologic stability, and optimal dosing has been overlooked.

Stratum corneum (SC) abnormalities are associated with disease-affected skin conditions such as inflammatory acne. Current topical acne treatment options including benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can worsen the barrier dysfunctions by increasing transepidermal water loss, depleting SC vitamin E levels, and relatively decreasing SC thickness. However, strategies exist to employ these treatments in a more effective manner and lessen barrier function disruption including use of less irritating vehicles or concomitant application of moisturizers. Patients also play a role in the outcome of their skin barrier function based on their compliance and administration technique. By increasing patient compliance and proper application of treatments, patient skin barrier function can improve. Additionally, future treatments are on the horizon that may customize acne therapy at a molecular level.

The objectives of this webinar are to learn the nuances in the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of your skin of color patients with atopic dermatitis and to understand the role of colloidal oatmeal in the treatment plan.

This webinar highlights the data supporting the mechanism of action of oat in emollients as well as clinical efficacy and safety of its use in atopic dermatitis and beyond.

The objective of this Supplement is to highlight the data supporting the use of colloidal oatmeal in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions resulting from an impaired skin barrier or inflammation.  Clinical efficacy and tolerance will be highlighted.