Topical Rosmarinus officinalis L. in Systemic Sclerosis-Related Raynaud's Phenomenon: An Open-Label Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

An effective and well-tolerated topical treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon is needed. The aim of this pilot study was to determine change in skin temperature and self-reported warmth perception from topical rosemary essential oil in patients with systemic sclerosis and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Twelve patients with progressive systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon were consecutively enrolled in an open-label pilot study at a university outpatient rheumatology clinic. Each patient received an application of olive oil to both hands as a control and 3 h later an application of a 10% essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Clinical severity and subjective warmth perception were assessed; skin temperature was measured by infrared thermography.

RESULTS

Skin temperature increased significantly after both olive oil and rosemary oil but differences between oils did not reach significance. Self-reported warmth perception increased after rosemary oil but not after olive oil. No adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Topical rosemary essential oil increased warmth perception in patients with systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon but did not increase finger skin temperature more than the olive oil control.