Rice Starch Provides Natural Remedy for Eczema and Damaged Skin

Fairfield, NJ, June 20, 2003 -- Eczema, an inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching and dry, cracked lesions, is a fairly common skin ailment that affects newborns, the elderly and every age group in between. No one is immune. Unfortunately, the most common treatments for eczema -- cortisone shots, hydrocortisone and other topical steroids -- don’t always work and may not be the appropriate choices for someone who is steroid-sensitive or committed to natural remedies. A recent study confirms that a completely natural remedy for eczema has been found from a most unexpected source: rice starch.

For centuries, it’s been well known that rice is regarded as a staple in the Asian diet. But what is less well known, is that rice was also regarded as central to the Asian ideal of soft, beautiful skin. When female rice farmers used the water left over from washing rice to bathe in or wash their faces, they noticed that the rice water left their skin feeling softer and smoother than before. Europeans who wanted softer skin have also been adding rice starch crystals to the bath for hundreds of years and dermatologists have long recommended it to patients with dry, irritated skin. But while rice starch seemed to have soothing effect on the skin, its effectiveness had not been documented…until now.

A study in the Archives of Dermatology and Venereology* found that eczema or damaged skin was markedly improved by soaking the affected area in rice starch. The study was comprised of two separate groups: The first group involved 37 healthy people who agreed to have an irritating chemical applied to their skin to produce minor skin damage. This group was treated with 30 grams of pure rice starch, 7.5 grams of a bath lotion made from rice starch, glycerine and dimethicone or the same bath lotion supplemented with 5% primrose oil. Each preparation was dissolved in 3 liters of water and the group was told to soak the affected area for 15 minutes, twice a day for five days. The second group involved 13 people with eczema who were treated with a pure rice starch solution. Measurements were taken daily to determine water loss and moisture in the skin.

The results showed that all forms of rice starch led to significant improvement in the condition of the skin and moisture content for both groups. Although the concentration of rice starch used in this study varied from 1 gram of rice starch per liter to 10 grams per liter, no additional benefit was found by using the greater amount. Adding one cup of rice starch to a full bath would offer the maximum benefits.

Gil Bakal, Managing Director of A&B Ingredients, a New Jersey-based manufacturer of rice starch, says, “Rice starch has been used in Europe and Asia for centuries to produce softer, more beautiful skin and in the U.S., rice starch has been recommended by dermatologists for years to soothe irritated skin. As suppliers of this fine product, its gratifying to know that what we thought all along, has now been proven to be true.”

Founded in 1990, A&B Ingredients is a leading supplier of rice-based starches for the food and cosmetic industries. Based on a tradition of research and development, A&B’s focus is to discover unique ingredients that enable its customers to create value added products. The company is committed to working, as a partner, to develop prototypes of new and improved products. A&B maintains full applications labs, pilot plant facilities with consumer testing capabilities, and provides technical sales and marketing, importing, distribution and applications development/technical services.

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For more information contact A&B Ingredients at 973-227-1390 or visit A&B’s website at www.abingredients.com.

*Archives of Dermatology and Venereology (2002:82:184-6)