## 4 Discussion  
To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies examining the efficacy and safety of omega fatty acid topical products in irritant contact dermatitis. After SLS exposure, both the intervention and control groups showed increased TEWL values, decreased hydration levels, and increased erythema values, all of which suggest that the skin barrier function has been impaired. During the study period, TEWL and erythema measurements returned to their baseline values in both groups. However, hydration levels were significantly higher in the group where the Rlastil cream was applied, compared to the control group. Moreover, during the study period, an increase in hydration levels was observed in the intervention group, compared to baseline values. Proper hydration levels of the skin could help maintain skin homeostasis, which is important in individuals affected with  
Figure 6: Erythema values over the study period. Comparison between smokers and non-smokers in the control group. Figure 7: Erythema values over the study period. Comparison between smokers and non-smokers in the intervention group. * Paired Samples \(t\)-Test. inflammatory skin diseases, but also for the general population [22]. Decreased levels of hydration could affect the ability of the skin to combat free radical-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, all of which could lead to inflammation of the skin, accompanied by the risk of infections and other skin complications. However, additional research is needed to better understand the risk factors that affect inflammation [23; 24; 25; 26; 27]. Previous studies on patients with inflammatory skin diseases also reported the positive effect of omega fatty acids on skin hydration levels [13]. For instance, a study by [PERSON] et al. examined the effect of oral use of primrose oil, which contains omega acid, in acne patients treated with isotretinoin [28]. Isotretinoin is a prescription-only medication used in acne therapy, and it is associated with skin dryness as a common adverse reaction. The results of this study showed an increase in hydration levels in the group of patients who used the oil, compared to the control group. Similar results were found in a study by [PERSON] et al. on patients with atopic dermatitis [29]. During the study period, participants did not report any adverse reaction to the product, which suggests its acceptable safety profile in the treatment of contact dermatitis. Furthermore, another advantage of this product is its route of application, since its topical therapy is the first-line treatment compared to systemic medications, especially in pediatric patients [30]. Bioactive products such as omega fatty acids, polyphenols, carotenoids, etc., gained popularity in the maintenance of healthy skin [31]. Previous studies have shown that a deficiency of fatty acids results in skin dryness, inflammation, and an increased susceptibility to environmental irritants [32]. One of the most promising omega fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, when topically applied, seems to penetrate the skin and maintain the health of the stratum comeum; when taken orally, it enhances the cohesiveness of the dermis and prevents excessive TEWL [33]. Since the results of our study did not show a significant difference between the TEWL values of the intervention and control groups, future studies should include data on circulating omega fatty acid levels in individuals. The hypothesis is that topical treatment would show greater improvement in TEWL measurements in individuals with lower levels of circulating omega fatty acids, and this hypothesis should be further evaluated in future randomized controlled clinical trials. Indeed, a similar observation was found in a study by [PERSON] et al. where patients with severe psoriasis had a significantly lower concentration of omega-3 and omega-9 compared to patients with less severe psoriasis [34]. The results of our study also showed higher values of erythema in participants who were smokers, both in the intervention and control groups.