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.