Abstract

Poor nutrition is an issue in Nigeria, with the average daily calorie intake per capita of 2,000.  This dictates unhealthy skin. To meet local demands, Nigeria imports, under different trade names, water-free dermatitic ointments indicated for the prevention and treatment of skin infections and disorders. The oily products are preferred in harmattan season and are unpopular with ladies who consciously avoid oily creams that procure sweat and attract dust. This study was aimed at formulating a topical water-based antidermatitic body lotion for the prevention and treatment of most skin disorders and infections, using the conventional body cream raw materials. The novel body lotion showed a negligible 0.03% cases of skin irritation and hypersensitivity reactions. It prevents and treats eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, acne, ringworm, after-shave rashes, heat rashes, napkin and urinary rashes, dermatitis, seborrhea, African beauty spots and craw-craw.  It also treats bruises, burns and cuts, proving antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and preventive of post-healing skin discolouration.  It does not treat pimples. It is more acceptable all-year round as a cosmetic moisturizing body lotion than the water-free antidermatitic ointment, which is preferred only in the harmattan period and is unpopular with ladies.

Key words: Water-based, topical, antidermatitis, lotion, prevention, treatment, skin, infections, disorders.