Progesterone skin cream and measurements of absorption.
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Attention is drawn to the unwanted side effects of the long-term topical use of steroids on the skin. The topical use of steroids in conditions in which immunological factors are not involved is not necessary. An open clinical evaluation demonstrated that simple protective applications are quite effective in these conditions.
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To evaluate the exposure of the general population to formaldehyde from the use of cosmetic products, as well as to monitor whether cosmetic products comply with national regulations, 285 shampoos, creams, etc., were analysed for formaldehyde. Identification and determination of formaldehyde was performed by the EEC method for the analysis of formaldehyde in cosmetic products. It was shown that 29.5% of the products investigated contained 0.001%-0.147% total formaldehyde. In 10 of the products (3.5%), total formaldehyde content was > 0.05%. 8 of these products contained > 0.05% free formaldehyde. None of these products was labelled 'contains formaldehyde'. 17 of the products investigated were declared to contain specific formaldehyde-releasers. Formaldehyde could not be detected (detection limit 0.001%) in cosmetic products that were declared to contain Bronidox/Bronopol.
Despite promising efficacy data for protective creams and many scientifically proven advances that have been achieved concerning the prevention of irritative contact dermatitis, protection against sensitising substances remains a particular problem due to the minimal amounts of allergen that trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, specific allergen-blocking substances have been tested which are designed to prevent sensitising processes and in particular avoid occurrence of contact dermatitis in already sensitised individuals. In this review, we present the results of current studies mainly focussed on preventing occupational contact dermatitis caused by metal salts, using different chelating agents. In the United States allergic contact dermatitis is often due to strongly sensitising plant allergens of Toxicodendron species, a factor of importance in outdoor professions. Therefore, attempts have been made to use linoleic acid dimers and organoclay materials such as quaternium-18 bentonite for prophylaxis in topical treatments. Most studies investigate effectiveness against experimentally induced allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised volunteers using standardised allergen extracts. Although several preparations showed some benefit by possibly preventing certain quantities of allergen from penetrating the epidermis, further effort will be required before sufficient protective creams with allergen-blocking properties are available for workplaces.
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A prospective, randomized study compared the effect of preoperative shaving versus chemical depilation on wound infection in 253 patients. No statistical difference was found between the two methods. Depilatory cream did save time by allowing hair to be removed the day before surgery and did offer an advantage in areas that were difficult to shave or if the patient was scheduled for diagnostic procedures and operations in the same operative area in close succession.
Rose skin-lightening cream with a mercury content of 77,513 +/- 71,063 ppm was selected and applied on mice for a period of 1 month at different intervals. Mercury levels were measured in a total of 58 liver, kidney, and brain tissue samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometer coupled to vapor generator accessory. The mean mercury concentration in the tissues of treated mice was 67,472 +/- 70,181 microg/g in the range of 0.391-288.759 microg/g. Looking at the mercury concentration in the tissue samples with respect to the application of skin lightening creams at different intervals, the highest mercury concentrations were found in the tissues of mice treated 3 times a day (116.806 +/- 83.182 microg/g, ranges 5.989-288.759 microg/g). On the other hand, the lowest mercury concentrations were found in the tissues of mice treated once a week (16.450 +/- 26.168 microg/g, ranges 0.391-95.642 microg/g). Histopathological changes were clearly seen in the brain, kidney, and liver sections of all treated mice. The severity of pathological changes observed in tissues increased with increasing the number of applications. It is evident that repeated application of Rose skin-lightening creams could induce permanent damage to the kidneys, brain, and liver. This study emphasizes the potential toxicity of mercury skin-lighting creams and the importance of discontinuing their manufacture and use.
An in vivo method was developed to measure the effectiveness of skin protective creams against 2 dye indicator solutions: methylene blue in water and oil red O in ethanol, representative of model hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. 3 representative barrier creams commercialized as effective against lipophilic, hydrophilic, or lipophilic and hydrophilic substances were assayed by measurements of the dye in cyanoacrylate strips of protected skin samples after various application times. The flexural surfaces of the forearms of 6 normal volunteers (3 female and 3 male, mean age 26.8 +/- 4.1 years) were treated. The method was as follows: solutions of 5% methylene blue in water and 5% oil red O in ethanol were prepared, and applied to untreated skin and protective-cream-pretreated skin with the aid of aluminum occlusive chambers, for 0 h and 4 h, respectively. At the end of the application time, the creams were removed. Consecutive skin surface biopsies (SSB) from 1 to 4 strips were taken. The amount of stain in each strip was determined by colorimetry, and the cumulative amount of stain from 1 to 4 strips in each measurement was calculated. The cumulative amount represents the amount of permeation of each solution at each time point, and the efficacy of skin barrier cream. The results showed one formulation at both 0 h and 4 h reduced the amount of permeation of methylene blue (p < 0.01) and oil red O (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. Another formulation was protective against the permeation of oil red O (p < 0.01), but not against methylene blue at 0 h and 4 h; it was not significantly different at 0 h versus 4 h. The 3rd formulation produced increased cumulative amounts to oil red O at both 0 h and 4 h (p < 0.05); it also increased permeation amounts to methylene blue (p < 0.05) after 4 h. This model appears a facile, rapid and objective early screen to evaluate the efficacy of skin barrier creams in vivo, as well as their individual ingredients.
The use of mercury containing skin-lightening creams are becoming increasingly popular among dark-skinned women. The long-term use of certain brands may cause serious health effects over the years. In the present study, we investigated the dermal absorption of mercury and its accumulation in the tissues of albino and pigmented mice treated with two brands of mercury containing skin-lightening creams for a period of one months at different intervals. The mean +/- SD of mercury in the selected brands were: (1) Fair & Lovely (0.304 +/- 0.316 microg/g); and (2) Rose (77513.0 +/- 71063.0 microg/g). Mercury levels were measured in a total of 133 and 144 liver, kidney and brain tissue samples of albino and pigmented mice respectively by the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer coupled to Vapour Generator Accessory. In both strains, we found that the mercury concentration in the tissues of mice treated with Rose skin-lightening cream samples was significantly higher than those treated with Fair & Lovely skin lightening cream. Looking at the mercury concentration in the tissue samples with respect to the application of skin lightening creams at different intervals, the highest mercury concentrations were found in the tissues of albino and pigmented mice treated three times a day. On the other hand, the lowest mercury concentrations were found in the tissues of mice treated once a week. Despite the brand of skin-lightening cream that was applied, the study indicated that mercury was readily absorbed through the skin of both albino and pigmented mice as evidenced with its accumulation in the brain, kidney and liver tissues where the kidney had the highest mercury content and brain had the lowest (it P < 0.0001). Significant differences in the mercury levels were observed between the albino and pigmented mice. This emphasizes the protective role of melanin against mercury toxicity. Results of this study stresses the potential harm of these mercury containing skin-lightening creams regardless of their mercury contents especially for women who apply these creams frequently or for extended periods. Permanent nephrological or/and neurological deficits may occur if the damage is severe and diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
A popular "skin protector" consisting of an emulsion-like foam of lipophilic and hydrophilic substances (Marly skin) was evaluated in a previously described repetitive irritation guinea pig model. The product failed to inhibit the irritation due to sodium lauryl sulphate and toluene. In striking contrast to the recommended use, the irritant response of sodium hydroxide was aggravated, as demonstrated by significant differences for all test parameters (clinical score for erythema and scaling, transepidermal water loss, blood flow volume). The results show that protection against chemical irritants may be quite specific and that some formulations may actually be harmful.
BACKGROUND: The use of skin lightening creams is common in the female population of some African countries. The long-term use of certain products for several months to years may cause cutaneous adverse effects. METHODS: From 1992 to 1993, we conducted an epidemiologic and clinical study in Dakar, Senegal. Women were questioned about the use of skin lightening creams and examined for potential adverse skin reactions. Six hundred and eighty-five Senegalese women participated in the study. RESULTS: Twenty-six per cent of women were using skin lightening creams at the time and 36% had used them at some time. The most common products used were hydroquinone and corticosteroids, but 25% of women had used products of unknown composition. Seventy-five per cent of women using such creams showed cutaneous adverse effects. Facial acne was the most common adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: A major part of the female adult population of Senegal used skin lightening creams. The long-term use of these creams is responsible for a high rate of cutaneous adverse effects. This practice has also been reported in other countries from sub-Saharan Africa and suggests a widespread use in the African population.
72 subjects reporting symptoms indicating Type I hypersensitivity reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves were included in this study. 44 of them had a positive prick test to NRL. They underwent wearing tests using 2 types of NRL gloves with high (n=63) and low (n=70) allergen contents. Unigloves Malaysia with a high allergen content caused positive skin reactions in 47% of SPT-positive and no IgE-negative subjects. After application of Hand Sense skin protection cream, the frequency of positive skin responses in wearing tests decreased to 30% in prick-test-positive subjects. The Biogel Diagnostic gloves with low allergen caused hypersensitivity with and without Hand Sense in 2 cases (5%) of the prick-test-positive. 60% of all test participants had a positive prick test to NRL. No prick-test-negative subjects showed any urticaria during the glove-wearing test. Our study demonstrates that high allergen contents in latex gloves frequently elicit skin responses in NRL-sensitized subjects. Since other skin protection creams have shown to increase allergic symptoms, it is encouraging to report that Hand Sense skin cream may hamper the uptake of allergens from gloves, thus decreasing allergic reactions.
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The influence of application of skin-lightening creams and dental amalgam fillings on the urinary mercury (Hg) level was evaluated in 225 females (ages 17 to 58 years) living in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. The arithmetic mean of the urinary Hg level was 6.96 +/- 20.43 micrograms 1(-1), in the range 0 to 204.8 micrograms 1(-1). The mean urinary Hg level adjusted by creatinine (Cr) was 11.22 +/- 37.23 micrograms g-1 Cr, in the range 0 to 459.37 micrograms g-1. No significant difference in urinary Hg was noted between the females regarding the use of skin-lightening creams. On the other hand, results showed that urinary Hg concentration was influenced by the use and number of dental amalgam fillings. No women were identified with symptoms or signs that could be attributed to Hg intoxication. Urine analyses for creatinine, urea, uric acid, phosphorus, magnesium, glucose and calcium showed significant correlation with urinary Hg. This suggests that chronic exposure to Hg may be associated with a deterioration of renal function.
Forty-one over-the-counter skin lightening creams were analysed for hydroquinone content, and the accuracy of tables of contents supplied with these products was assessed. Eight of the 41 were found to contain more than 2% hydroquinone, the maximum concentration permitted by the U.K. Cosmetic Products Regulations. Eighteen of these preparations failed to comply with labelling requirements. A list is given of those products containing less than 2% hydroquinone which are adequately labelled.
A 30-year old black woman presented with gradual onset of weakness of the legs associated with burning sensation in the feet for two months. She had been using two hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams (MGC by M. G. C. International, MEKAKO by Anglo Fabrics BOLTON Ltd) for about four years. Her BP was 80/40 mm Hg supine with un-recordable diastolic pressure on standing. She had decreased power (Grade 3/5), loss of deep tendon reflexes and impairment of deep sensation in the lower limbs. A complete blood count, urinalysis, serum electrolytes, serum creatinine and uric acid were all normal. Oral GTT, VDRL and brucella tests were negative. Chest and abdominal radiographs did not show any abnormalities. A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy with autonomic neuropathy possibly due to hydroquinone toxicity was made and she was advised to stop using hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams. Four months later she was asymptomatic, her BP was 120/80 mmHg supine and standing, and neurological examination was normal. The case raises the question of whether hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams could be a cause of peripheral neuropathy and underscores the need for research on hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams and neuropathy particularly in black women involved in the sale and/or use of skin bleaching creams.