Clinical Efficacy of Topical Avena sativa Versus Betamethasone in Chronic Pruritus due to Sulfur Mustard Exposure

Clinical Efficacy of Topical Avena sativa Versus Betamethasone in Chronic Pruritus due to Sulfur Mustard Exposure

Background: Avena sativa, a well-known herbal medicine; has been used in various skin diseases such as eczema, burn and pruritus. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of this herbal medicine for treatment of chronic pruritus in Sulfur Mustard (SM) exposed patients. Methods: Veterans who referred to Baghiat-Allah dermatologic clinic for itching problems were examined by a dermatologist and randomly assigned in three different groups. Group A received ointment derived from Avena sativa plant, group B, placebo and group C, betamethasone 0.1% cream twice a day for 4 weeks. Twenty five patients were included in each group. A visual analogue scale were used for assessment of severity of pruritus and 2 questionnaire for quality of life and quality of sleep were filled for each patient. Results: Pruritus severity after the study by VAS method was significantly decreased in all the groups, but betamethasone group showed the largest decrease (-2.4, P < 0.001). The average quality of life based on DLQI criteria and quality of sleep based on PSQI after the treatment showed the most significant difference in betamethasone group (3.52, P < 0.001 and 0.96, P=0.001 respectively). Although Avena sativa showed significant effect on these criteria but it was only superior to placebo and not as effective as betamethasone. Conclusion: The result demonstrated that Avena sativa ointment reduced chronic pruritus, increased quality of life and quality of sleep in patients exposed to SM but betamethasone was superior in all aspects. Keywords: Avena sativa, Chronic pruritus, Sulfur mustard