skin-care-1.matches: skin care
Collagen-like peptide exhibits a remarkable antiwrinkle effect on the skin when topically applied: in vivo study.

Bauza E, Oberto G, Berghi A, Dal CF, Domloge N.

Vincience Research Center, Sophia Antipolis, France.

In this double-blind clinical study, we evaluated the effect of our newly developed synthetic collagen-like hexapeptide on wrinkles. Twenty healthy women volunteers, aged 40 to 62 years old, participated in the study Volunteers applied either a gel formula containing 3% of the collagen-like peptide and 1% of a booster molecule that stimulates general cell metabolism with no specific effect on wrinkles, or a placebo gel, on the eye zone area twice a day for 4 weeks. Control visits were performed at the beginning and the end of the study. Skin wrinkles were evaluated clinically and by silicon replica analysis followed by statistical treatment using the matched-pairs Student's t-test. The results showed that application of the collagen-like peptide on the skin significantly reduced the total surface of wrinkles and this effect was observed in 75% of the replicas. Similarly, the decrease in number and average depth of wrinkles was also significant and was observed in 65% and 75% of the replicas, respectively. The effect of the collagen-like peptide on reducing the total and average length of wrinkles was also remarkable. This effect was statistically highly significant (p < 0.003) and was observed in 75% to 80% of the replicas. Moreover these results were supported by volunteer questionnaires and clinical observation. The results demonstrate that the collagen-like peptide acts deeply and intensely on wrinkles; these properties are of great interest in the field of antiaging skin care research.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15648443&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
Use of the low air loss bed system in treatment of burns patients.

Leeder CJ.

When a person is confined to bed, whatever the reason, small areas of soft tissues are compressed between the skeleton and the supporting surfaces. Transient circulatory disturbances resulting in epidermis to dermis damage or finally deep penetrating necrosis involving subcutaneous tissues, fascia muscle and bone may result. In the case of the severely burned patient who has already sustained gross trauma, any further destruction of tissues is to be avoided at all costs. The Low Air Loss Bed System offers many advantages in the care and management of the burns patient. There is a definite saving of nursing time by rendering unnecessary constant attention to the patient for preventative skin care, positioning, bed pan etc. The nurse is then able to devote her time positively to the more involved needs of the patient and family. It will also provide for periods of rest that are so often lacking, especially in the initial stages of treatment. The patient does not have to be kept on a rigid regime of Q2H turning. He is turned only for wound care, physio- and general body cleansing. His position may be contoured without having to touch him circumferentially. Any lifting and positioning necessary is easier for staff members due to the design of the unit, and more comfortable for the patient. Over a period of two years, eighteen patients with varying extent and degree of burn injuries were treated on the bed. This paper will describe the mechanical operation of the bed and experiences with nursing management and monitoring of the system.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=451464&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
Group meetings benefit families of burned children.

Cahners SS.

Recognition must be given to the continuing burden carried by parents of children who have been discharged from a burns hospital. Weekly parents' meetings under the direction of social workers are offered during clinic hours in an effort to maintain support and offer guidance. Unlike other therapeutic groups, these parents are not screened by interests, background or age. Their only common denominator is that of having a severely burned child. Also, unlike other groups, the participants change each week, depending on the clinic schedule. However, despite the lack of continuity in participation, the parents have come to know that by returning to the group at any time, they can find help and understanding and often receive renewed strength for coping. It is interesting to note that the same problems recur in the meetings' content: 1) Adjustment of the home schedule immediately following discharge in order to deal with the demands of the children and the time required for skin care, 2) parents' tendency to project their guilt by over-protecting the children, 3) adolescent problems stemming from burn scars affecting body image and self-esteem, 4) changes in marital relationships. Often, parents of children who are still in the acute stage attend these meetings and take their first cautious steps toward facing the future supported by "those who have been there". All learn that this is an hour when they may freely question, share feelings, and leave knowing they are supported and not alone.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=451466&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
[Pomade crust]

[Article in German]

Vakilzadeh F, Kalveram KJ.

Exaggerated use of skin care topicals in infants may lead to brownish appositions in the inguinal and gluteal region described as pomade crust. Examination of scraping material by infra-red spectroscopy failed to reveal any residue of emollients but instead was characteristic of human scales. Certain topicals are apparently capable of inducing hyperkeratosis in these body regions.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=457414&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
Psychosocial factors associated with pressure sores.

Anderson TP, Andberg MM.

To determine if psychosocial factors, not purely mechanical aspects, play an important part in the incidence of pressure sores, 141 subjects were tested on 3 psychosocial measures. Results indicate that differences exist among groups in pressure sore history and psychosocial measures. Contrary to the expectations of a mechanical skin problem model, quadriplegics as a group (rather than paraplegics) had a history of fewer pressure sores. Two variables, the subject's responsibility in skin care (RESPON) and his satisfaction with the activiities of life (SATIS), were significantly associated with the incidence of decubitus ulcers. The combination of RESPON, SATIS, and the total positive score from the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale in multiple linear regression accounted for (1) 26% of the pressure sore history in the total sample, (2) 40% in the paraplegic group, (3) 69% in the paraplegic with help group, and (4) 41% in the paraplegic without help group. The histories in the quadriplegic groups and subgroups did not show reliable associations with the 3 variables. SATIS contributed most in accounting for the incidence of pressure sores. The level of injury and these psychosocial factors are thus related to the incidence of pressure sores.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=464777&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-1.matches: skin care
Exogenous ochronosis and striae atrophicae following the use of bleaching creams.

Bongiorno MR, Arico M.

Department of Dermatology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. istderm unipa.it

Exogenous ochronosis is a paradoxical hyper-pigmentation of the skin caused by the long-term use of hydroquinone-containing bleaching creams. Ochronosis is an uncommon condition characterized by yellow-brown pigmented deposits in the dermis. We report two cases of exogenous ochronosis in two female patients of the sub-Saharan African population. The lesions were characterized by an asymptomatic hyper-pigmentation of the face with gradually progressive blue-black macular patches, and in case no. 2, in addition to dyschromic lesions, striae atrophicae were present. This phenomenon is the outcome of the use of skin care products containing high concentrations of hydroquinone- and glucocorticoid-based products, and, in addition, certain modalities in the use of bleaching products are likely to facilitate complications.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15689207&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine skin-care-5.matches: skin care
[Symptomatic therapy of pruritus (author's transl)]

[Article in German]

Aulepp H.

The symptomatic therapy of generalized primary pruritus is reviewed. The topical therapy consists of skin care measures; more or less greasy ointments or creams should be used depending on the degree of dryness of the skin. It is to be noted that tenside-containing bath additives may promote drying of the skin, in pruritus patients they should be replaced with oil-based bath additives. Antihistamines have proved valuable in systemic therapy. The pharmacological effects of these H2 receptor antagonists is dealt with. The principles for selection of individual preparations from the vast number of substances available are commented on; combination therapy is gone into and also possible side-effects, particularly of ethylenediamine and piperazine antihistaminics. Glucocorticoids and antiphlogistics have no place in the treatment of generalized primary pruritus.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6114425&dopt=Abstract skin, skin care, skin care medicine