A Randomized Comparative Trial on the Therapeutic Efficacy of TopicalAloe veraandCalendula officinalison Diaper Dermatitis in Children

. Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a common inflammatory disorder among children and infants. The objective of the present randomized and double-blind trial was to compare the therapeutic efficacies of Aloe vera cream and Calendula officinalis ointment on the frequency and severity of DD in children. Methods . Sixty-six infants with DD (aged < 3 years) were randomized to receive either Aloe cream ( n = 32) or Calendula ointment ( n = 34). Infants were treated with these drugs 3 times a day for 10 days. The severity of dermatitis was graded at baseline as well as at the end of trial using a 5-point scale. The adverse effects of study medications were assessed during the trial. Results . Although improvement in the severity of DD was observed in both treatment groups ( P < 0.001), patients receiving Calendula ointment had significantly fewer rash sites compared to Aloe group ( P = 0.001). No adverse effect was reported from either of the medications. Discussion . The evidence from this study suggests that topical Aloe and in particular Calendula could serve as safe and effective treatment for the treatment of diaper dermatitis in infants.