ANSWER: Bathe in colloidal oatmeal.
What is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal that combines with water to form a weak glue or gel.
The scientific evidence:
J Burn Care Rehabil. 2001 Jan-Feb;22(1):76-81; discussion 75.
The reduction of itch during burn wound healing.
Matheson JD, Clayton J, Muller MJ.
Source
Royal Brisbane Hospital Burns Unit, Australia
Abstract
Here’s some information about the benefits of colloidal oatmeal for relieving the itchy symptoms of various skins problems:
J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Sep;9(9):1116-20.Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatologic practice.
Cerio R, Dohil M, Jeanine D, Magina S, Mahé E, Stratigos AJ.
Source
Department of Dermatology, Barts & The London NHS Trust, Royal London Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract
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 kappaB 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.
What products containing colloidal oatmeal are available? This abstract gives you some ideas. Find out more from your pharmacist and health store operator.J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Feb;6(2):167-70.Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties.
Source
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, Scientific Affairs Department, Skillman, NJ 08558, USA.
Abstract
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. Today, colloidal oatmeal is available in various dosage forms from powders for the bath to shampoos, shaving gels, and moisturizing creams. Currently, the use of colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to the Over-The-Counter Final Monograph for Skin Protectant Drug Products issued in June 2003. Its preparation is also standardized by the United States Pharmacopeia. The many clinical properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from its chemical polymorphism. The high concentration in starches and beta-glucan is responsible for the protective and water-holding functions of oat. The presence of different types of phenols confers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Some of the oat phenols are also strong ultraviolet absorbers. The cleansing activity of oat is mostly due to saponins. Its many functional properties make colloidal oatmeal a cleanser, moisturizer, buffer, as well as a soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent.
Can you make colloidal oatmeal yourself? Yes!
This article is a good place to start.
The purpose of this study was to find a method to reduce the itch experienced by patients who have sustained burn injuries, by using and comparing the effectiveness of 2 shower and bath oils. One product contained liquid paraffin with 5% colloidal oatmeal and the other contained liquid paraffin. The study was carried out in the Adult Burns Unit, Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH), Brisbane. It was conducted during a 10-month period from July 1998 until April 1999. Thirty-five acute burns patients participated in an assessor-blind clinical trial. Patients were asked twice daily to rate their discomfort from itch and pain. The amount of antihistamine requested by each patient was totalled daily. Analysis of data supplied by patients showed that the group using the product with colloidal oatmeal reported significantly less itch and requested significantly less antihistamine than those using the oil containing liquid paraffin.
