Results from a two-study analysis in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology suggested efficacy for an over-the-counter healing ointment (HO; Cetaphil Healing Ointment, Galderma Laboratories, LP, Dallas) in improving skin hydration and wound healing outcomes following dermatologic procedures. 

In Study 1, a single-center in-use study, researchers assigned participants to daily application of HO for four weeks on dry, cracked skin; all subjects with self-perceived sensitive skin. Results from that analysis showed a significant reduction in skin dryness after both one and four weeks of HO use, along with a notable increase in skin smoothness observed in all subjects following the first application. Participants reported excellent tolerability and safety throughout the study.

Study 2 was a multi-center study focused on wound healing outcomes in subjects using HO daily after dermatologic surgical procedures. The researchers reported improvements in erythema, edema, scabbing/crusting, and overall wound appearance compared to baseline at all time points. Subjects perceived HO favorably, and there were no significant adverse effects observed during the study period.

"HO has a well-established safety profile and has been shown to improve both skin hydration and the overall wound healing process after dermatologic surgical procedures," the researchers wrote in the study.

Source: Farberg AS, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(5):360-365. doi:10.36849/JDD.8224