Cocoa butter lotion for prevention of striae gravidarum: a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial
Osman H
Published in BJOG
Methodology
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial; nulliparous women applied cocoa butter lotion or placebo lotion daily from enrolment until delivery, with striae incidence and severity assessed by blinded examiners.
Key Findings
In 175 first-time pregnant women, daily cocoa butter lotion from the second trimester until delivery did not reduce the incidence of striae gravidarum (about 45% in both groups) or their severity compared with placebo lotion.
Conclusions
Topical application of a lotion containing cocoa butter does not appear to reduce the likelihood of developing striae gravidarum.
Limitations
Single centre; adherence to daily application self-reported; placebo lotion itself moisturising, potentially masking a small emollient effect; severity graded subjectively; limited ethnic diversity.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic/hospital institutional funding
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