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.