Black tea dressings - a rapidly effective treatment for facial dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Facial dermatitis is a common dermatologic condition. It is usually treated with either topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. However, the use of these drugs is limited by side effects, including skin atrophy, local immunosuppression and possible oncogenicity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of wet dressings with black tea for treating facial dermatitis.

METHODS: We performed a prospective, open, uncontrolled before-after study enrolling 22 patients with atopic or contact facial dermatitis who were treated with black tea dressings and an emollient cream over 6 days. Disease severity was assessed using the (1) Facial Eczema Area and Severity Index, (2) Visual analog scale for pruritus, (3) Investigator`s Global Assessment score, and (4) Patient's Self-Assessment score. The study was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02941432.

RESULTS: A dramatic and highly significant reduction of all four disease activity scores occurred within the first 3 days of treatment and the patients continued to improve between days 3 and 6. No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION: Black tea dressings represent an effective treatment option for facial dermatitis. Its advantages include lack of side effects, low cost, and easy availability.