The Effect of Topical Rosa damascena Mill. and Sesamum indicum L. Oils on the Avoidance of Striae Gravidarum: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction

Striae gravidarum (SG) is the most prevalent physiological skin change experienced by pregnant women during gestation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical Sesamum indicum L. (Sesame) and Rosa damascena Mill. (R damascena) oils because of their skin-healing properties in preventing SG in nulliparous females.

Methods

This study was a triple-blinded, randomised, controlled trial conducted on 150 nulliparous mothers in the age group of 18–35 from 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Participants were randomly assigned to the R damascena oil, Sesame oil, or placebo group with a 1:1:1 randomisation ratio. They received the allocated intervention of 1 g, twice/d, without massaging the abdomen for 20 weeks. Socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics and SG risk factors were completed at baseline. Davey's and Kamini's methods were used as data-gathering tools for assessing striae and itching.

Results

There were no significant differences between study groups in baseline characteristics. The occurrence of striae between 35 and 38 weeks of pregnancy was similar (72%, 74%, and 74% among R damascena oil, Sesame oil, and the placebo group, respectively; P = 0.919). More than 50% of participants had severe SG. The itching was reported by 40%, 54%, and 40% of participants among the R damascena oil, Sesame oil, and control groups, respectively (P = 0.129), which was mild mostly. Skin redness and itching following topical oil use were the reported side effects.

Conclusions

This study indicated that using R damascene and Sesame oil 10% did not affect the incidence and severity of striae and itching compared to the control.