skin-care-5.matches: skin care
The allergens in cosmetics.

de Groot AC, Bruynzeel DP, Bos JD, van der Meeren HL, van Joost T, Jagtman BA, Weyland JW.

Department of Dermatology, Carolus and Willem-Alexander Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.

The ingredients responsible for allergy to cosmetics were determined in 119 patients suffering from cosmetic-related contact dermatitis. Most reactions (56.3%) were caused by skin care products, followed by nail cosmetics (13.4%), perfumes (8.4%), and hair cosmetics (5.9%). Preservatives were most frequently implicated (32.0%), followed by fragrances (26.5%) and emulsifiers (14.3%). By far the most important cosmetic allergen was Kathon CG, (a preservative system containing, as active ingredients, a mixture of methylisothiazolinone and methyl chloroisothiazolinone) reacting in 33 patients (27.7%). Other frequent causes of cosmetic-related contact allergic reactions were toluenesulfonamide/formaldehyde resin in nail hardener and/or nail lacquer (15 patients [12.6%]), and oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, an emulsifier in baby body lotion (13 patients [10.9%]).

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3421728&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
[Liberation and in vitro skin permeation of boric acid from an ointment]

[Article in German]

Dusemund B.

Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut, Bundesgesundheitsamtes, Berlin.

In connection with the discussion on a uniform regulation within the European Communities for baby-care products containing boric acid, it was of interest to which degree boric acid can be absorbed through normal or damaged skin from a common baby ointment. Studies performed by an in vitro permeation method using excised human skin and by a liberation method in the absence of a membrane are described. Boron was not detectable in the acceptor compartment when intact skin was tested, while using damaged skin, prepared by removing the horny layer, a maximum permeation of 2.46 micrograms/cm2 boron, corresponding to 14.1 micrograms/cm2 boric acid, was measured. Accordingly the stratum corneum functions as an effective barrier for the cutaneous permeation of boric acid under the given conditions. Thus there is no cause for concern that the ointment under consideration could evoke unwanted systemic effects when applied to healthy skin. The results showing permeation of boric acid through damaged skin are of special interest, since it has to be taken into account, that skin care preparations for babies may be applied on irritated skin, e.g. in cases of napkin dermatitis. On the basis of the permeation results for damaged skin the possible daily boron uptake of babies, treated with the test product, is estimated and compared to the daily alimental intake of boron. With respect to quantities of boric acid delivered per unit of surface in the skin model and in the liberation system, the permeation through damaged skin amounts to 86% of the release. The results indicate, that the degree of permeation through damaged skin depends on the degree of liberation from the vehicle. The liberation model presented here could be suitable for the assessment to which extent boric acid may be absorbed from an ointment through damaged skin in worst case.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3435593&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
Pruritus: a new look at an old problem.

Rubenstein R.

Pruritus, a frequent complaint heard by family physicians, is a complex physiological phenomenon mediated by histamine and other peptides. It is associated with a number of common dermatologic diseases but has significant psychological factors as well. In some patients pruritus may be an important marker of systemic disease. Diagnostic approach includes a careful physical examination of primary skin lesions and goal-directed laboratory tests. Careful skin care and oral antihistamines are basic measures to alleviate pruritus.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3585267&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-1.matches: skin care
[Vulvovaginal diseases: differentiation between treatable infections and other causes]

[Article in German]

Petersen EE.

Sektion Gynakologische Infektiologie, Universitats-Frauenklinik Freiburg, Deutschland. petersen frk.ukl.uni-freiburg.de

Disorders of the vulvar area are quite frequent. Only part of inflammatory diseases are caused by an infection. The number of possible pathogens is limited. Noninfectious inflammatory dermatoses and allergies also occur in the vulvar area and should gain much more attention. While most infections are curable, some dermatoses are curable too, but most can only partly be improved. The importance of skin care is still underestimated. The early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory disorders of the vulva save patients much unnecessary pain and also prevent vulvar carcinoma or excessively mutilating interventions.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15644635&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
Peristomal skin integrity.

Broadwell DC.

The primary goal of skin care for the person with a stoma is prevention of skin breakdown. The first step is careful maintenance of the skin from the time of surgery forward. The patient and family should be taught every step of protecting the skin and recognizing early signs and symptoms of potential breakdown. The loss of peristomal skin integrity affects the person's entire well-being. Pouches will not adhere as well and accidental leaks occur. The impact on psychologic well-being is difficult to measure, but can be assumed to be significant. A circular effect can begin in which the skin irritation leads to accidents, which further compromise the skin integrity. Time may be lost from work or school. Damaged skin is also painful. The cost of treating peristomal skin breakdown can be high. The products used in ostomy care are relatively expensive. A single skin barrier may range from $3 to $5. Frequent changes will be necessary to assess and treat the lesions adding to the cost. Prevention is in the realm of effective nursing care and will include assessment of the skin, selection and application of appropriate pouches and skin barriers, patient and family teaching programs, and follow-up evaluations after hospitalization.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3646664&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
Contact allergy to cosmetics: causative ingredients.

de Groot AC.

Department of Dermatology, Willem-Alexander Hospital, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.

Of 1781 patients with contact dermatitis seen during a period of 6 years (1981-1986), 75 (4.2%) had allergy to cosmetic products. The face was most frequently affected. In many cases, the dermatitis was limited to the eyelids (18.7%) or the face (40.0%). Skin care products (moisturizing and cleansing cream/lotion/milk) accounted for more than half (52.3%), followed by nail cosmetics (8.0%), shaving preparations (8.0%) and deodorants (6.8%). The ingredients most often responsible were fragrances (45.1%), followed by the preservative Kathon CG (11.0%) and the emulsifier oleamidopropyl dimethylamine (9.8%). In 14 patients (18.7%), patch tests with the responsible cosmetic product were negative. In them, the diagnosis was made by use tests and/or repeated open application tests. Compulsory declaration of ingredients on cosmetic product labels in the EEC, analagous to the USA situation, would be of great benefit both to patients and to physicians.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3652687&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
A survey of skin problems and skin care regimens in the elderly.

Beauregard S, Gilchrest BA.

Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA.

In an attempt to provide clinically relevant data regarding both dermatologic disease and skin care needs in the elderly, 68 noninstitutionalized volunteers, aged 50 to 91 years (average age, 74 years), were enrolled in a study consisting of a 33-item questionnaire and a total cutaneous examination. Two thirds of the entire group and 83% of the 23 octogenarians reported medical concerns regarding their skin, with pruritus as the most frequent complaint. On examination, all subjects had at least one cutaneous abnormality, and symptomatic and/or medically significant disorders were present in 64.7%. In decreasing order of prevalence, disorders for which dermatologic therapy was judged desirable included actinic keratoses, tinea pedis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and skin cancer. Overall, there was rather poor correlation between the subjects' complaints and perceptions and objective physical findings. Further, despite a high prevalence and long average duration of dermatologic concerns, very few subjects had consulted a physician for these problems, and no complaints other than "rashes" and pruritus had ever been discussed with any health care professional. Review of skin care regimens revealed substantial limitations with regard to bathing, shampooing, and nail care, particularly for subjects aged 80 years or older. Despite a small sample size and possibility of selection bias among the subjects, these data strongly suggest that skin problems are common among the elderly and that at present their dermatologic needs are largely unmet.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3688904&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine