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| A team of students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) creates bath bombs for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (Photo: Special). |
Young people are always brimming with creativity, constantly bringing innovative ideas to life. This spirit is embodied by a team of students from University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), who developed therapeutic bath bombs to treat atopic dermatitis. Their innovation earned them third place in the PKM-RE category at the 2024 National Scientific Week for Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Universities (PIMTANAS). The team comprises Fricilia Nur Syahada, Nabila Nur Jasmine, Nafisatuz Zain, and Permata Shafa Salsabila from the Pharmacy program, with support from Anugrah Wahyu Pribadi, a student from the Aquaculture program.
Nabila explained that the PKM competition in the RE category focuses on creating a product through research and testing processes. This approach results in a final product that can be practically utilized. Regarding the benefits of their product, Nabila highlighted that individuals with eczema or atopic dermatitis often need to apply moisturizers daily. However, she noted that this method is less effective as it is not applied comprehensively. Inconsistent use of moisturizers for treating eczema can reduce the recovery rate for patients.
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"That’s what motivated us to develop a bath bomb formulation made from Mackerel Oil and Black Seed Oil. This bath bomb provides therapeutic effects for sufferers, especially since it can easily reach all parts of the body," she explained firmly.
The choice of mackerel oil and black seed oil for the bath bomb formulation was not without reason. Both ingredients can alleviate itching, serve as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, and contain omega-3, which is beneficial for skin regeneration. However, there were several challenges in the development process. One of them was the limited research on bath bomb formulations as a therapeutic solution for skin diseases, as well as the innovative and unconventional choice of mackerel oil derived from mackerel fish.
"The use of this bath bomb is quite simple. Users just need to prepare a bucket or bathtub filled with water, then drop the bath bomb in. It will create a bubbling foam effect and is ready to use," she explained.
They also conducted trials on chicken eggs, which showed minimal irritation effects, particularly with formula 1, a 1:3 ratio of Black Seed Oil to Mackerel Oil. This indicates that the bath bomb innovation has proven to have antibacterial and anti-irritation properties. "Our hope is that this bath bomb can continue to be developed and benefit people suffering from eczema. Hopefully, in the next two to three years, it can undergo more advanced pharmacological testing and trials on animals or humans. If successful, this product could eventually be distributed to the public," she concluded. (zaf/wil/ind)
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