A controlled two-center study of lactate 12 percent lotion and a petrolatum-based creme in patients with xerosis.

Lactic acid, one of the most widely distributed acids in nature, is present in biological fluids and tissues of humans as an intermediary in carbohydrate metabolism. Alpha-hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, and their salts have been recommended for the treatment of keratinization disorders. This controlled double-blind study compares the efficacy of lactate 12 percent lotion and a petrolatum-based therapeutic creme (creme B) in patients with moderate to severe xerosis. Lactate 12 percent lotion was significantly more effective than a petrolatum-based creme in reducing the severity of xerosis during treatment and post-treatment phases.