Therapeutic effects of bentonite-containing soap in a patient with epidermolytic ichthyosis

Abstract

Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI), a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder caused by mutations in the KRT1 and KRT10 genes, results in thickened, scaly, and blister-prone skin. Traditional treatments, such as ammonium lactate and retinoids, often fail to adequately manage symptoms. This case report explores the use of a bentonite-containing soap, as a novel and efficacious therapy for a 70-year-old female patient with EI. Despite long-term treatment with ammonium lactate and exfoliating baths, the patient continued to experience persistent scaling and thickened skin. After the addition of the bentonite-containing soap, the patient reported significant improvement in scaling, particularly on the hands and feet, with smoother skin and reduced scaling. Bentonite’s exfoliating, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties, along with its ability to restore the skin barrier, likely contributed to these improvements. These promising results highlight the potential of bentonite-based products for managing EI, though further clinical trials are needed to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.