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Virgin Coconut Oil vs. Olive Oil for Atopic Dermatitis: Which Works Better?
Scientific Articles olive skin oil eczema antimicrobial coconut dermatitis

Virgin Coconut Oil vs. Olive Oil for Atopic Dermatitis: Which Works Better?

Authors Verm?n M. Verallo-Rowell, Kristine M. Dillague, Bertha S. Syah-Tjundawan, Skin and Cancer Foundation, Pasig, Philippines, and the VMV Skin Research Centre + Clinics, Makati City, PhilippinesPosted: 02/17/2009; Dermatitis. 2008;19(6):308-315. ? 2008  American Contact Dermatitis SocietyFor full article see http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586673

Posted: 02/17/2009; Dermatitis. 2008;19(6):308-315. ? 2008  American Contact Dermatitis Society

Novel Antibacterial and Emollient Effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis

For full article see http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586673

Introduction 

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition marked by dryness, inflammation, and frequent colonization by Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Managing skin hydration and preventing infections are critical components of effective AD treatment. Natural oils like virgin coconut oil (VCO) and virgin olive oil (VOO) have been traditionally used to moisturize the skin and support healing. 

A recent clinical study compared the effectiveness of VCO and VOO in moisturizing AD-affected skin and reducing SA colonization. The findings offer compelling evidence for coconut oil as a powerful, natural remedy for people suffering from atopic dermatitis. 

Study Objective 

To evaluate and compare the moisturizing effects and antibacterial properties of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and virgin olive oil (VOO) in adult patients with atopic dermatitis, focusing specifically on their ability to reduce Staphylococcus aureus colonization. 

Methodology 

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted at two outpatient dermatology clinics. Adult participants with clinically diagnosed AD were randomly assigned to apply either: 

  •  Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), or 
  •  Virgin Olive Oil (VOO) ...twice daily on two non-infected sites for a duration of 4 weeks. 

Key Measurements: 

  • Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonization via skin cultures 
  • Skin condition via Objective SCORAD Severity Index (O-SSI) 
  •  Photographic documentation 

Results 

SA Colonization 

  •  VCO Group: 20 of 26 participants had SA colonization at baseline. After 4 weeks, only 1 person (5%) remained colonized. 
  • VOO Group: 12 of 26 were SA positive at baseline. After 4 weeks, 6 participants (50%) still showed colonization. 

???? Virgin Coconut Oil reduced SA colonization significantly better than virgin olive oil. 

  • Relative Risk (RR): 0.10 
  • p-value: 0.0028 
  • Number Needed to Treat (NNT): 2.2 

Skin Severity (O-SSI Score) 

  • Both groups experienced improvements in O-SSI scores. 
  •  However, VCO showed significantly greater improvement compared to VOO: Post-treatment p-value: 0.004 

Conclusion 

Virgin Coconut Oil is more effective than virgin olive oil in: 

  • Moisturizing atopic skin 
  • Reducing Staphylococcus aureus colonization
  • Improving skin severity scores in AD patients 

The antimicrobial properties of monolaurin, a key component of coconut oil, along with its broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, make VCO an excellent natural treatment for atopic dermatitis. 

Key Takeaway 

Virgin Coconut Oil offers a safe, effective, and natural solution for managing dry skin and infections in atopic dermatitis, outperforming virgin olive oil in both antimicrobial and skin-repair benefits.

Scientific Articles olive skin oil eczema antimicrobial coconut dermatitis