Although the regular cleansing of skin lesions is essential for optimal wound healing, it can be unpleasant and even painful. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a specific cleansing product. It is formulated with gentle surfactants, lipids, and polyols and features a balm texture.
Corneometry was performed on the forearm to assess the moisturising effect of the cleansing balm before (D0) and after 28 days of use (D28), compared with a control area. An intra-individual clinical study was carried out under dermatological and gynaecological (for gynaecological indications) supervision on 55 subjects with different types of lesions: in three areas of the body (head, body, and intimate areas) and in the specific cases of radiodermatitis and following surgery for cancer. The product was applied once or twice a day for 28 days. The subjects evaluated the organoleptic properties and immediate and 28-day efficacy of the product. The cleansing balm significantly increased skin hydration by 17.5% on D28 versus D0 (p<0.001), in contrast to the untreated area (0%), in 9 subjects with dry skin (aged 25 to 68). In the clinical study, the subjects in the 1st group with surgery on scalp (13 subjects), in post-caesarean (10) or in post-episiotomy (11) had an average age of 33 (19 to 65) with phototypes III to VI. Those in the 2nd group with radiotherapy (11) or following cancer surgery (11) had an average age of 55 (33 to 69) with phototypes III to VI. The subjects appreciated the gentle cleansing (Group 1: 100%, Group 2: 100%), the enveloping, creamy texture (100%, 100%), that the product avoided the need to rub the weakened area (97%, 100%), that it left a protective film (97%, 100%), and that it was easy to rinse off (100%, 100%). From the 1st application, the subjects found their skin to be soothed (97%, 95%) and comfortable (97%, 100%). On D28, their skin was soothed (94%, 100%), moisturised (90%, 100%), comfortable (94%, 100%) and protected (97%, 100%) and their skin comfort was restored (97%, 100%). In addition, the product was suitable for use on the scalp or intimate areas for 100% of the subjects concerned, and in conjunction with their cancer treatment for 95% of the subjects concerned. Overall, the product was very well tolerated. In addition, further studies, under dermatological, ophthalmological, and paediatric supervision, on 30 children (aged three to 36 months) and 33 adults (aged 19 to 61 years) with benign lesions, also showed a very good assessment and tolerance.
The texture of this cleansing balm prevents rubbing, allowing gentle cleansing while protecting and moisturising weakened skin. It also rinses off easily and is very well tolerated thanks to its gentle surfactants. Therefore, it could help to improve compliance with the sometimes-painful cleansing of lesions.
