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Barrier creams (BC) are used in hand care to protect the user against damage from surfactants and other irritants; their clinical value remains debatable; some reports indicate that inappropriate BC application might induce a deleterious rather than a beneficial effect. Since many cosmetic formulations contain 'skin protectants', we review concept, application, and efficacy from the pertinent scientific literature.
Contents of 23 preservatives (22 permitted and 1 non-permitted) were analysed in 67 skin creams to verify whether these products complied with the Cosmetic Directive with respect to ingredient labelling, as well as with respect to maximum allowed concentrations of the respective preservatives. The preservatives selected for the analysis were: parabens, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, sorbic acid, salicylic acid, formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, 3:1 mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-2-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-2-one (Kathon CG), 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol), 5-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox) and methyldibromo glutaronitrile. 1 or more parabens were present in 87% (n=58) of the investigated products, 2-phenoxy ethanol in 49% (n=33) of the products, and formaldehyde/formaldehyde releasers were present in 51% (n=34) of the products. Kathon CG was found in 3 products, acid preservatives (except salicylic acid) in 8 products, Bronopol in 5 products, and methyldibromo glutaronitrile was present in 4 products. The contents of all of the target preservatives in the skin creams were within the maximum allowed concentrations of the respective substances. Incorrect ingredient labelling with respect to paraben content was found in 10% (n=7) of the investigated products, 33% (n= 22) of the products were not declared for the content of formaldehyde/formaldehyde releaser, and 7% (n=5) products were incorrectly labelled for the content of 2-phenoxyethanol. In 1 of the products containing Kathon CG, the ratio of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-2-one to 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-2-one (1.4:1) was not correct. 4 of the 8 products containing acid preservatives were not labelled for the content of these substances. All in all, in 45% (n=30) of the investigated skin creams ingredient labelling was incorrect with respect to preservative contents. The proportion of incorrect labelling is reduced to 23% (n = 15), when the formaldehyde content in skin creams below 30 ppm is not accounted.
BACKGROUND: Propolis, a naturopathic substance derived from bees wax extract, has recently been praised for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cicatrization-enhancing properties. OBJECTIVE: In our study, we compare these properties in a high-grade Brazilian propolis skin cream directly with silver sulfadiazene (SSD) in the treatment of minor burns (superficial second degree) in the ambulatory care setting (less than 20% total body surface area burned). SETTINGS/LOCATION: The study was conducted at the burn clinic in Pronto Socorro para Queimaduras, Gioania, Brazil. SUBJECT: Patients were admitted to the study only if their initial presentation for burn care was within 48 hours postinjury and if bilateral wounds of similar depth and quality were present. INTERVENTIONS: Patients had propolis skin cream applied to one wound and SSD applied to the other selected wound on initial presentation and underwent debridement and dressings change the following morning. Patients subsequently returned to the clinic every 3 days to have the wounds checked and dressings changed. At these check-ups, wounds were cultured for microbial growth and photographed to document inflammation and cicatrization. Patients were instructed not to disturb their wounds or change their dressings at home, thus propolis skin cream and SSD were applied to the wounds only at the specified 3-day intervals. RESULTS: Our preliminary results do not show any significant difference in microbial colonization between wounds treated with SSD and propolis skin cream, however, wounds treated with propolis skin cream consistently showed less inflammation and more rapid cicatrization then those treated with SSD. CONCLUSION: Propolis skin cream appears to have a beneficial effects on the healing of partial thickness burn wounds. If dressings had been changed more frequent the antimicrobial and wound healing effects would have been enhanced.
A double-blind, randomized phase I study was performed in 21 healthy volunteers to evaluate the dermal tolerance of skin creams containing 1% and 2% 1-[(2-fluorophenyl)(4-fluorophenyl)phenylmethyl]-1H-imidazole (flutrimazole, UR-4056, CAS 119006-77-8) or only the excipient, versus a commercial skin cream containing 1% clotrimazole. The study was carried out using the patch-test procedure performed in three stages: 1. single application in the back skin; 2. induction period (usage test) using three skin areas on the volar side of the forearm of each subject, where skin cream samples were applied once a day for a period of three weeks; and 3. after a wash-out period of two weeks, challenge applications in the back and forearm skin. The systemic tolerance of the formulations was also tested. There was no evidence of allergic sensitization after the application of flutrimazole creams, or their excipients, with signs of mild and doubtful skin reactions being observed in few subjects with all formulations. Furthermore, no systemic side effects after topical administration were detected throughout the study.
Two patients are described with an organic brain syndrome thought to be due to bismuth (Bi) absorbed from a skin cream. Both patients had intellectual impairment and memory loss punctuated by periods of confusion, tremulousness, clumsiness, difficulty in walking, and myoclonic jerks. A similar clinical picture has been reported from Australia and France in patients taking insoluble bismuth salts by mouth. Bi was found in cerebral venous blood in both patients and in the cerebrospinal fluid in one. It is suggested that bismuth can cross the blood/brain barrier and disturb oxidative cerebral metabolism, because increased lactate production was found with decreased consumption of oxygen and glucose and lowered cerebral blood-flow.
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Procyanidin polymers are reported to be virostatic and virucidal in vitro. In this experiment we showed, on a hairless mouse model, biological effects of these agents, already demonstrated in vitro on cell cultures. Several dermic cream compositions have been tested and compared for reduction of HSV1 cutaneous lesions. In this study, it appeared clearly that active principle dosage form is as important as the biological effect of the agent. Composition and water content influence permeation speed, contact time with surface skin layers and consequently the pharmacological effect on herpetic skin injuries.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is becoming a more popular dermatologic procedure. Newer protocols have virtually eliminated any associated untoward effects. Phototoxicity, although rare, can still occur and requires aggressive post-therapy care. Recently, a new biorestorative skin care cream, containing human growth factors and cytokines, was used to treat 2 severe cases of PDT-associated phototoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper describes 2 case reports of severe phototoxicity following ALA-PDT treatments. The novel skin care cream was utilized in both cases phototoxicity. RESULTS: Complete resolution of the phototoxic reaction was seen, leaving both patients with normal skin texture and tone. CONCLUSIONS: This novel skin care cream may prove useful in wound healing following treatment with lasers and light sources or dermatologic surgery.
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We report on an unusual case of a 28-year old African woman who developed glucocorticosteroid induced arterial hypertension after abusive use of a skin bleaching cream. Glucocorticosteroids exert their effect at many different sites involved in blood pressure regulation: in particular at the level of the kidney, blood vessels and the heart. The exact incidence of arterial hypertension after prolonged cutaneous glucocorticosteroid administration is unknown. The mechanism of glucocorticosteroid induced hypertension is discussed.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In a one-year study we tested the skin care and protective action of a new hydrocarbon gel. This gel is made of a two-component gel of petrolatum fractions in which the easily volatile and irritant white oils have been diminished. The gel contains no additives or perfumes and is therefore free of these allergens. The tests on different groups of "wet workers" ( gardeners and fish- sellers as well as workers in the fish preparation and canned-food industries) showed both objectively and subjectively good results.
A number of genetic, intrinsic, and extrinsic factors can cause conditions of problem dry skin, marked by unusual dryness, rough texture, and extreme flaking and scaling, that are generally not controlled by conventional moisturizers. A study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two novel alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)-containing creams in reducing the appearance and symptoms of problem dry skin on subjects with a range of dry skin conditions, including xerosis, epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, and ichthyosis. Twenty subjects completed a course of treatment with either regular or extra strength AHA-blend cream on a test site, compared with a currently marketed, non-AHA moisturizing lotion on a control site. Subjects were treated for 4 weeks, with clinical evaluations performed at weeks 0, 2, and 4. The test for mulations reduced symptoms and improved cosmetic appearance following 2 weeks of use, with continued improvement following 4 weeks of use. Improvements were significant compared to baseline and compared to sites treated with the control lotion. Some patients experienced mild to moderate local adverse effects; all subjects were able to continue using the test product for the duration of the study.