Formulation And Evaluation of Eczema Cream

Definition: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is primarily called eczema. This is a non-contact skin condition that can remain for a long period of time. This disease often causes red and swollen marks on the skin surface, leading to discomfort and inflammation within the body.

Types:

Fig No. 01: - Types Of Eczema Cream

Symptoms:

1. The recurrent symptoms of eczema involves:
2. Dried, ominous spots on skin
3. Stiffen, discoloured skin
4. Open, crusted, or weeping sores
5. Skin flushing
6. Itching
7. Small, raised bumps on skin
8. Skin eruption

Fig No. 02: - Eczema Effect On Skin

Causes:

1. There is no distinct causes of eczema but few typical causes may include:
2. Genetics: A ancestry of eczema, asthma, or allergies significantly raises the threat of growing eczema.
3. Immune System Dysfunction: In eczema, an heated or dysregulated immune system responds to allergic reactions with inflammation, causing some of the skin symptoms.
4. Environmental factors: Factors like allergens, irritants, climate, and pollutants can activate or increase eczema, impacting skin health and comfort.
5. Food: Consumption of some food items can cause spread of eczema.
6. Dry skin: When skin becomes very dry, it may lead to cracking, bleeding and itching, making it more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
7. Stress: This is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can make the symptoms worse.
8. Microorganisms: While eczema itself isn’t caused by microorganisms, they can play a significant role in aggravating and infecting eczema, with Staphylococcus aureus being a particularly common culprit.
9. Scratching and Rubbing: Over time, continueous scratching or rubbing can cause the marks on skin to worsen.

Cream:

Pharmaceutical creams are semisolid dosage forms containing one or more medicinal agents dissolved or dispersed in a suitable cream base, primarily used for topical skin products and sometimes rectally or vaginally. They are used to repair various skin conditions, deliver medications, and provide protection or relief. In recent times. Creams are emulsions of either the O/W or W/O type. Creams are defined as “viscous liquid or semi-solid emulsions of either the oil-in-water or water-in-oil type.

Fig No. 03: - Eczema Condition

Treatment And Diagnosis:

Treatment

1. Topical Treatments

• Moisturizers: Importance in managing dryness.
• Topical Corticosteroids: For inflammation control.
• Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Alternatives to steroids.

2. Systemic Treatments

• Antihistamines: To relieve itching.
• Immunosuppressants: (e.g., cyclosporine) for severe cases.
• Biologic Therapies: (e.g., Dupilumab) for moderate to severe eczema.

3. Non-Pharmacological Approaches

• Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding triggers, bathing practices.
• Education and Support: Importance of patient education.

4. Phototherapy Types: Recommended for moderate to severe cases.

• Ultraviolet B (UVB)
• Narrowband UVB therapy

Diagnosis:

1. Clinical History: A whole medical history is essential.

• Skin biopsy test
• Triggers (e.g., allergens, irritants)

1. Physical Examination: Dermatologists assess the skin’s appearance, distribution, and seriousness of lesions.
2. Allergy Testing: Scratch tests or patch tests may be operated to spot perticular allergens that could trigger eczema.
3. Laboratory Tests: While not routinely used, blood tests can measure levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which may be elevated in individuals with eczema.

Factors Affecting Eczema Cream :

There are several factors affecting AD,

Environmental Factors: These involves revelation to antigens, pollen, mold, and pet dander, insects. Other eco factors include frosty and moistureless air, increase in warmth and dampness in nature and exposure to vapours from flames, automobiles, and the pollutants from the factories and industrial wastes.

Irritants: These include the use of unsuitable scrubs, perfumes, cleansers, soaps, detergents, shampoos, and solvents.

Food allergies: Some of the most common food allergens that can activate eczema include wheat, soy, dairy, peanuts, seafood, eggs, citrus foods consumption and seed (nuts), etc.

Hormonal changes: The AD infection can get worst at the time of pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause which my lead to several serious infection.

Stress: It can induce inflammation in the body, which can worsen eczema although it does not cause the eczema directly.

Genetics: Genes involved in the immune response, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL31, signal transducer and activator of transduction (STAT)3, and Fc fragment of immunoglobulin (Ig)E receptor Ig (FCER1G), have been associated with eczema.

 Methods of preparation of eczema cream :

Here are some methods for preparing eczema creams:

Double boiler

Melt cocoa butter in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Then, add olive oil and stir, remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Add aloe vera gel and stir until combined. For additional soothing properties, add rosehip oil.

Slab technique

Heat liquid paraffin and beeswax in a glass beaker at 75° C. In a separate beaker, dissolve borax and methylparaben in distilled water and heat to 75° C. Slowly add the aqueous phase to the oily phase. Add aloe vera gel, neem extract, and tulsi extract, and stir until smooth. Add a few drops of rose oil for fragrance.

Oil in water (O/W) emulsion

Dissolve emulsifier and oil-soluble components in the oil phase. Dissolve preservatives and water-soluble components in the aqueous phase. Heat both phases to 75° C. Then, gradually add the aqueous phase to the oil phase while agitating constantly until the emulsifier cools.

Fig No. 04:- Formulation Techniques Of Eczema Cream

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY:

• Ingredients:

There are various ingredients used to manufacture eczema cream they are as fallows;

1. Virgin coconut oil
2. Psoralea oil
3. Shea butter
4. Vitamin E capsule
5. Rose water
6. Methyl paraben
7. Beeswax

Process of preparation of eczema cream :

Step 1: Melt Base Ingredients

Materials:

• Shea butter
• Beeswax
• Virgin coconut oil
• Psoralea oil
• Heat-safe bowl (glass or stainless steel)
• Double boiler setup or microwave

Method:

Double Boiler (Recommended):

• • Fill a pot with 2–3 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Place the bowl containing Shea butter, Beeswax, virgin coconut oil and Psoralea oil over the pot (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water).
  • Stir occasionally until fully melted (~5–10 minutes).

Microwave (Alternative):

• • Heat in 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until melted (typically 30–60 seconds total).

Safety:

• Never leave melting oils unattended.
• Avoid direct heat (e.g., stovetop without a double boiler) to prevent scorching or combustion.

Step 2: Cool the Mixture

• Remove from heat and let cool until warm to the touch (~40–45°C or 104–113°F).
• Purpose: Prevents degradation of heat-sensitive additives (e.g., vitamin E, rose water).

Consistency Check:

The mixture should be fluid but not hot enough to steam.

Step 3: Add Secondary Ingredients Materials :

• Vitamin E capsule (pierced)
• Rose water
• Preservative (e.g., methylparaben)
• Whisk or spatula

Method:

1. Return the warm mixture to the double boiler on low heat (water barely simmering) to maintain liquidity.
2. Add in this order while stirring:
   • Vitamin E: Squeeze contents from the capsule, stir for 30 seconds.
   • Rose Water: Drizzle slowly to prevent separation; emulsify thoroughly.
   • Preservative: Sprinkle evenly and stir until fully dissolved (~1–2 minutes).

Key Tip:

If the mixture thickens too quickly, briefly reheat (5–10 seconds in the double boiler).

Step 4: Solidification & Storage:

Container Prep:

Use a sterilized glass jar or airtight container (wash with hot soapy water, then rinse with boiling water or alcohol).

Pouring & Curing:

1. Pour the mixture immediately into the container while still liquid.
2. Room-Temperature Solidification:
   • Leave uncovered in a cool, dust-free area for 4–6 hours.
   • Avoid refrigeration (can cause uneven texture or graininess).

Post-Solidification:

• Cover tightly and store in a dark, cool place (e.g., medicine cabinet). Shelf life: ~6 months (with preservative).

 Formulation Table:

RESULT:

The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal eczema cream. Various evaluation parameters were assessed to determine the quality and effectiveness of the formulated cream. The evaluation parameters were coming under results, like the physical evaluation of herbal cream, ph of eczema cream, spreadability, washability, nonirritancy test, viscosity. This cream formed is non- greasy in nature and easily removable after application. The formulation was nonirritancy and not harmful to the skin.

Evaluation Tests for Eczema Cream:

Fig No. 05: - Types Of Evaluation Tests For Eczema Cream Preparation