Effectiveness of Using 4% Ajwa Date Extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Reducing Skin Dryness Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease with Regular Hemodialysis: A Controlled-Clinical Trial

Chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (CKD-HD) remains prevalent, with dry skin being a frequent dermatological complication. In contrast, Ajwa date cream presents alternative therapy due to its beneficial properties in addressing skin dryness. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 4% Ajwa date extract cream in alleviating dry skin in CKD-HD patients. A controlled clinical trial involving 35 eligible subjects was conducted in the present study. Each participant received the intervention of applying 4% Ajwa date cream and a base lotion as control to the left and right arm twice daily for four consecutive weeks. Overall dry skin (ODS) and corneometer scores were measured weekly and compared. The 4% Ajwa date cream and base lotion groups experienced a statistically significant increase in corneometer scores throughout the treatment duration (P < 0.005). Both groups achieved a statistically significant reduction in ODS values during the treatment period (P < 0.005), with similar decreases noted at every observation interval. This study showed that there was a significant difference in the average results of the corneometer examination in week 0, week 1, week 2, week 3 and week 4 on the arm given 4% ajwa date extract lotion and base lotion with a P-value <0.05. In conclusion, applying 4% Ajwa date cream effectively improved skin dryness levels in CKD-HD patients in one month application. These results support its use as a viable alternative treatment and highlight its potential as a preferred option in managing this dermatological issue.