Comparative Study of Herbal Extracted Gel and 1% Hydrocortisone Gel in the Treatment of Mosquito Bite Reaction

Abstract

Background: Mosquito bite reaction is a common skin disease. Topical steroids and oral antihistamines are the conventional treatment. However, the side effects from prolonged use of topical steroids are the limitation of the treatment. Recently, herbal extracts are emerging interest for an alternative anti-inflammatory dermatoses therapy. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of herbal extracted gel containing, Perilla frutescens, Portulaca oleracea, Ipomoea pescaprae, Aloe vera, Centella asiatica and Broussonetia papyrifera in comparing with 1% hydrocortisone (HC) gel. Material and Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 50 mosquito bite hypersensitive volunteers (15 - 19 years old) with double-blinded split randomized control method. After the volunteers were exposed for one bite on their arms by a non-infectious mosquito, Aedes albopictus, the drugs were applied twice daily. The diameter of lesion, pruritus analog score, erythema and melanin index were measured at 2, 6, 24 hours and 2, 3, 4 weeks. The volunteers “self-satisfaction” and side effects were recorded. Results: The mean age was 17.42 ± 1.14 years old. The diameter of lesion, pruritus analog score, erythema and melanin index were decreased on both sides at each visit with significant difference (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two agents of all parameters and the satisfaction of the volunteers (p > 0.05). The post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation rate of 1% HC and herbal gel was 64% and 54% respectively without significant difference (p = 0.267). Conclusion: The herbal gel was as effective as 1% HC for the treatment of acute and late reaction of mosquito bite reaction in adolescent. It may be used as the alternative treatment for mosquito bite reaction.