Novel yeast extract is superior to colloidal oatmeal in providing rapid itch relief.

BACKGROUND: Approximately, 13.5% of the population suffers from chronic itch. Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatments for itch are available; however, cosmetic treatments are not reliably effective and most pharmaceutical formulations carry the risk of adverse events with chronic use. AIMS: Previously, we have reported a novel extraction process of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that is, Baker's yeast. The extract obtained from the novel process demonstrates superior anti-itch properties compared to other yeast extracts. In our previous study, we demonstrated that, after 30 minutes, the extract significantly reduced itch when compared to a placebo lotion (P = .002). METHODS: In the present study we conducted a head-to-head comparison with the leading cosmetic itch product: lotion containing colloidal oatmeal (CO). A randomized double-blinded study of 60 patients was conducted. RESULTS: In our study, the novel yeast extract was vastly superior to the CO containing lotion (Aveeno™ Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream). We saw statistically significant difference in the reduction of itch (P = .0001) using the novel yeast extract vs the CO lotion. Additionally, the yeast extract was shown to relieve itch in as little as one minute after application. CONCLUSION: The novel yeast extract rapidly relieves itch and is superior to the cosmetic market leader, CO lotion.

Lichen Simplex Chronicus on the Scalp: Broom Fibers on Dermoscopy; Gear Wheel Sign and Hamburger Sign on Histopathology.

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is characterized by lichenification of the skin because of primary excessive scratching. Herein, we present two cases of scalp LSC with a patch showing localized hair loss and paroxysmal severely itching on that area. Dermoscopy examined the presence of broom hair fibers while histopathological examination revealed gear wheel sign, hair shafts split in two (the hamburger sign), and decrease in the size of the sebaceous glands.