Evaluation of a once-daily moisturizer used to treat xerosis in long-term care patients.

The pruritic, erythemic, dry, scaly, cracked, or fissured skin characteristic of xerosis is a result of the loss of natural moisturization factors and barrier abilities, as well as epidermal water loss. To determine if a new 24-hour moisturizer provides clinical benefit by reducing dry skin, scratching, and erythema, a 5-day prospective study was conducted that involved 16 residents (6 men, 10 women) with end-stage renal disease (average age 76 years) in a long-term care facility unit with an 18% prevalence of xerosis. Extent of xerosis was measured by evaluating each of the symptoms (dry scaly skin, erythema, and pruritus) using a four-point ordinal scale where 0 = absence of symptom and 3 = severe symptom. Photographs and patient comments were obtained at the time of the assessments on Day 1 (before the first product application) and on Day 5 (after four once-daily applications). One resident was discharged before the day 5 evaluation. Resulting data from the 15 patients completing the study were analyzed using a paired-sign test. Reduction in dry, scaly skin, erythema, and pruritus were statistically significant (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.016, respectively). Implementing a 24-hour moisturizer was found to significantly decrease symptoms of xerosis. Additional study to further validate use of the product in this and other settings where patients experience dry, red, itchy skin is warranted.