Olive oil: an effective emollient for lichen simplex chronicus
Keywords:
Olive oil, emollient, lichen simplex chronicusAbstract
Background Olive belongs to the family of Oleacae. Olive oil is being used increasingly indifferent systemic diseases. In dermatology, it is primarily used as a vehicle but it can havemany other potential uses.Objectives We tested the efficacy of topical olive oil in the treatment of lichen simplexchronicus.Patients and methods Forty male and female patients suffering from lichen simplexchronicus affecting nape of the neck, arms, back of the legs and ankle. Patients were followedup weekly for four weeks. Pruritus and dryness were scored on a 4-grade scale i.e. none,slight, moderate and severe at baseline and on each follow up visit.Results Significant improvement in pruritus and dryness was noticed in all age groups andboth sexes.Conclusions Olive oil is effective in controlling dryness and pruritus in lichen simplexchronicus.References
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