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Skin Irritation (skin + irritation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	61%
Chemistry	29%
Life Sciences	8%

Terms modified by Skin Irritation

skin irritation potential

Selected Abstracts

(Q)SARs for Predicting Skin Irritation and Corrosion: Mechanisms, Transparency and Applicability of Predictions

MOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 9 2004

Abstract This paper describes previously-developed (quantitative) structure-activity relationships [(Q)SARs]for predicting skin irritation and corrosion, proposes mechanisms of skin irritation and corrosion, and discusses the transparency and applicability of predictions. This paper was written to set the tone for companion papers that describe three applications of skin irritation and corrosion (Q)SARs. The first companion paper describes physicochemical property limits that can be used to develop rules for identifying chemical substances with no skin irritation or corrosion potential. The second companion paper describes structural alerts that can be used to develop rules for identifying chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential. The third companion paper describes the Skin Irritation Corrosion Rules Estimation Tool (SICRET), a user-friendly tool that allows non-(Q)SAR experts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential based on physicochemical property limits and structural alerts. [source]

Use of Physicochemical Property Limits to Develop Rules for Identifying Chemical Substances with no Skin Irritation or Corrosion Potential

MOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 9 2004
Ingrid Gerner
Abstract This is believed to be the first paper to promote the use of rules based on (quantitative) structure-activity relationship [(Q)SAR] models for identifying chemicals that are not likely to cause a specific adverse health effect, viz., skin irritation or corrosion. The purpose of this paper is to describe limit values for specific physicochemical properties that are appropriate for identifying chemical substances that have no skin irritation or corrosion potential. These physicochemical properties include melting point, molecular weight, octanol-water partition coefficient, surface tension, vapour pressure, aqueous solubility and lipid solubility. Based on analyses of 1833 chemicals, physicochemical properties for limits were defined to determine that when a chemical's physicochemical properties were either greater or less than these limits that these chemicals would have no skin irritation or corrosion potential. To facilitate classification and labeling, the application domains of these limits were constructed to correspond with the European Union's risk phrases for chemicals classified for skin irritation/corrosion, viz., R 34, R35 or R38. This is the second paper of four companion papers. The first paper discussed mechanisms that can lead to significant skin irritation or corrosion after acute exposures to chemicals. The third paper described the application of structural alerts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential. The fourth paper described the Skin Irritation Corrosion Rules Estimation Tool (SICRET), a user-friendly tool that allows non-(Q)SAR experts to identify chemical substances with skin irritation or corrosion potential based on physicochemical property limits and structural alerts. [source]

Sensitive skin: closing in on a physiological cause

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2010
Miranda A. Farage
The phenomenon of ,sensitive skin' is a relatively recent complaint in which certain individuals report more intense and frequent adverse sensory effects than the normal population upon use of cosmetic (personal-care) products. Originally defined as a minority complaint, sensitive skin is now claimed by a majority of women in industrialized countries and nearly half of men. Sensitive skin is self-diagnosed and typically unaccompanied by any obvious physical signs of irritation, and the number of individuals who claim sensitivity has risen steadily with the number of consumer products targeted towards this supposedly uncommon group. Believed by many dermatologists, therefore, to be a ,princess and the pea' phenomenon, the problem of sensitive skin has largely avoided focussed research. Over the last few years, however, the evidence of documentable biophysical changes associated with the largely sensory symptoms of this disorder has accumulated, including some gained by improved methods of identifying subclinical signs of skin irritation. Although the understanding of the aetiology of this phenomenon is as yet incomplete, existing research now supports a biophysical origin for this disorder. Effective methods of diagnosis, intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to exaggerated neural sensitivity, and the specific mechanisms of the discomfort associated with the compliant are required, as are appropriate means of prevention and treatment. [source]

Strong irritants masquerading as skin allergens: the case of benzalkonium chloride

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2004
David A. Basketter
Chemicals may possess a number of hazards to human health including the ability to cause skin irritation and contact allergy. Identification and characterization of these properties should fall within predictive toxicology, but information derived from human exposure, including clinical experience, is also of importance. In this context, it is of interest to review the case of benzalkonium chloride, a cationic surfactant. This chemical is a well-known skin irritant, but on occasions it has also been reported to have allergenic properties, typically on the basis of positive diagnostic patch test data. Because the accumulated knowledge concerning the properties of a chemical is employed as the basis for its regulatory classification (e.g. in Europe), as well as for informing the clinical community with respect to the diagnosis of irritant versus allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), it is important to distinguish properly which chemicals are simply irritants from those which are both irritant and allergenic on skin. A review of the information on benzalkonium chloride confirms that it is a significant skin irritant. However, both predictive test results and clinical data lead to the conclusion that benzalkonium chloride is, at most, an extremely rare allergen, except perhaps in the eye, but with many supposed cases of ACD being likely to arise from the misinterpretation of patch test data. As a consequence, this substance should not normally be regarded as, or classified as, a significant skin sensitizer. [source]

Validity and ethics of the human 4-h patch test as an alternative method to assess acute skin irritation potential

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2001
Michael K. Robinson
For more than 50 years, the Draize rabbit skin irritation test has reigned supreme as the regulatory method of choice for the identification of skin irritant chemicals. To date no in vitro alternative test has been validated as an adequate replacement. However, one potential option, to test the endpoint of concern (skin irritation) in the species of concern (man) has been overlooked. The advent of predictive in vitro tools for the identification of substances corrosive to the skin has opened up the practical possibility of carrying out safe and ethical studies on small panels of humans. The human 4-h patch test has been developed to meet the needs of identifying chemical skin irritation potential, providing data which is inherently superior to that given by a surrogate model, such as the rabbit. This paper reviews in detail the present state of the human 4-h patch test, highlighting its advantages and noting its utility as the ,gold standard' on which to build future in vitro models. [source]

Differences between the sexes with regard towork-related skin disease ,

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 2 2000
Birgitta Meding
Work-related skin disease is common and usually presents as hand eczema. From the Occupational Injury Information System in Sweden, as well as from registers of industrial injuries in other countries, it is evident that females report skin disease more often than males. Epidemiological studies of hand eczema also show that women are more often affected than men, in particular young women. The most common type of hand eczema is irritant contact dermatitis, which is often caused by wet work. Many female-dominated occupations involve extensive wet work, e.g., hairdressing, catering, cleaning and health-care work. These occupations are also high-risk occupations for hand eczema. Experimental studies of skin irritation have not confirmed differences between the sexes; thus, the higher prevalence of irritant contact dermatitis among females is most likely due to exposure, occupational and non-occupational. Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy, which is most frequent in young females, and in 30,40% results over time in hand eczema. Hand eczema has an impact on quality of life and females seem to report a higher degree of discomfort than males. To achieve the optimal effect of preventive efforts regarding occupational skin disease, the focus for prevention should aim at reducing wet exposure. [source]

Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2004
K. P. Ananthapadmanabhan
ABSTRACT:, Cleanser technology has come a long way from merely cleansing to providing mildness and moisturizing benefits as well. It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch. In order for cleansers to provide skin-care benefits, they first must minimize surfactant damage to skin proteins and lipids. Secondly, they must deposit and deliver beneficial agents such as occlusives, skin lipids, and humectants under wash conditions to improve skin hydration, as well as mechanical and visual properties. While all surfactants tend to interact to some degree with lipids, their interaction with proteins can vary significantly, depending upon the nature of their functional head group. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies have shown that surfactants that cause significant skin irritation interact strongly with skin proteins. Based on this understanding, several surfactants and surfactant mixtures have been identified as "less irritating" mild surfactants because of their diminished interactions with skin proteins. Surfactants that interact minimally with both skin lipids and proteins are especially mild. Another factor that can aggravate surfactant-induced dryness and irritation is the pH of the cleanser. The present authors' recent studies demonstrate that high pH (pH 10) solutions, even in the absence of surfactants, can increase stratum corneum (SC) swelling and alter lipid rigidity, thereby suggesting that cleansers with neutral or acidic pH, close to SC-normal pH 5.5, may be potentially less damaging to the skin. Mildness enhancers and moisturizing agents such as lipids, occlusives, and humectants minimize damaging interactions between surfactants, and skin proteins and lipids, and thereby, reduce skin damage. In addition, these agents play an ameliorative role, replenishing the skin lipids lost during the wash period. The present review discusses the benefits of such agents and their respective roles in improving the overall health of the skin barrier. [source]

Use of image analysis techniques for objective quantification of the efficacy of different hair removal methods

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 2 2007
S. Bielfeldt
In the field of consumer-used cosmetics for hair removal and hair growth reduction, there is a need for improved quantitative methods to enable the evaluation of efficacy and claim support. Optimized study designs and investigated endpoints are lacking to compare the efficacy of standard methods, like shaving or plucking, with new methods and products, such as depilating instruments or hair-growth-reducing cosmetics. Non-invasive image analysis, using a high-performance microscope combined with an optimized image analysis tool, was investigated to assess hair growth. In one step, high-resolution macrophotographs of the legs of female volunteers after shaving and plucking with cold wax were compared to observe short-term hair regrowth. In a second step, images obtained after plucking with cold wax were taken over a long-term period to assess the time, after which depilated hairs reappeared on the skin surface. Using image analysis, parameters like hair length, hair width, and hair projection area were investigated. The projection area was found to be the parameter most independent of possible image artifacts such as irregularities in skin or low contrast due to hair color. Therefore, the hair projection area was the most appropriate parameter to determine the time of hair regrowth. This point of time is suitable to assess the efficacy of different hair removal methods or hair growth reduction treatments by comparing the endpoint after use of the hair removal method to be investigated to the endpoint after simple shaving. The closeness of hair removal and visible signs of skin irritation can be assessed as additional quantitative parameters from the same images. Discomfort and pain rating by the volunteers complete the set of parameters, which are required to benchmark a new hair removal method or hair-growth-reduction treatment. Image analysis combined with high-resolution imaging techniques is a powerful tool to objectively assess parameters like hair length, hair width, and projection area. To achieve reliable data and to reduce well known image-analysis artifacts, it was important to optimize the technical equipment for use on human skin and to improve image analysis by adaptation of the image-processing procedure to the different skin characteristics of individuals, like skin color, hair color, and skin structure. [source]

Effectiveness of topical skin care provided in aged care facilities

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED HEALTHCARE, Issue 4 2005
Brent Hodgkinson MSc GradCertPH GradCertEcon(Health)
Executive summary Background, The 2001 Australian census revealed that adults aged 65 years and over constituted 12.6% of the population, up from 12.1% in 1996. It is projected that this figure will rise to 21% or 5.1 million Australians by 2031. In 1998, 6% (134 000) of adults in Australia aged 65 years and over were residing in nursing homes or hostels and this number is also expected to rise. As skin ages, there is a decreased turnover and replacement of epidermal skin cells, a thinning subcutaneous fat layer and a reduced production of protective oils. These changes can affect the normal functions of the skin such as its role as a barrier to irritants and pathogens, temperature and water regulation. Generally, placement in a long-term care facility indicates an inability of the older person to perform all of the activities of daily living such as skin care. Therefore, skin care management protocols should be available to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation and breakdown and ultimately promote comfort of the older person. Objectives, The objective of this review was to determine the best available evidence for the effectiveness and safety of topical skin care regimens for older adults residing in long-term aged care facilities. The primary outcome was the incidence of adverse skin conditions with patient satisfaction considered as a secondary outcome. Search strategy, A literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed (NLM) (1966,4/2003), Embase (1966,4/2003), CINAHL (1966,4/2003), Current Contents (1993,4/2003), Cochrane Library (1966,2/2003), Web of Science (1995,12/2002), Science Citation Index Expanded and ProceedingsFirst (1993,12/2002). Health Technology Assessment websites were also searched. No language restrictions were applied. Selection criteria, Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials, randomised and non-randomised controlled trials evaluating any non-medical intervention or program that aimed to maintain or improve the integrity of skin in older adults were considered for inclusion. Participants were 65 years of age or over and residing in an aged care facility, hospital or long-term care in the community. Studies were excluded if they evaluated pressure-relieving techniques for the prevention of skin breakdown. Data collection and analysis, Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility for inclusion. Study design and quality were tabulated and relative risks, odds ratios, mean differences and associated 95% confidence intervals were calculated from individual comparative studies containing count data. Results, The resulting evidence of the effectiveness of topical skin care interventions was variable and dependent upon the skin condition outcome being assessed. The strongest evidence for maintenance of skin condition in incontinent patients found that disposable bodyworn incontinence protection reduced the odds of deterioration of skin condition compared with non-disposable bodyworns. The best evidence for non-pressure relieving topical skin care interventions on pressure sore formation found the no-rinse cleanser Clinisan to be more effective than soap and water at maintaining healthy skin (no ulcers) in elderly incontinent patients in long-term care. The quality of studies examining the effectiveness of topical skin care interventions on the incidence of skin tears was very poor and inconclusive. Topical skin care for prevention of dermatitis found that Sudocrem could reduce the redness of skin compared with zinc cream if applied regularly after each pad change, but not the number of lesions. Topical skin care on dry skin found the Bag Bath/Travel Bath no-rinse skin care cleanser to be more effective at preventing overall skin dryness and most specifically flaking and scaling when compared with the traditional soap and water washing method in residents of a long-term care facility. Information on the safety of topical skin care interventions is lacking. Therefore, because of the lack of evidence, no recommendation on the safety on any intervention included in this review can be made. [source]

Recent trends in the treatment of testosterone deficiency syndrome

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 11 2007
Bum Sik Hong
Abstract: Testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is defined as a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advancing age and is characterized by typical symptoms and deficiency in serum testosterone levels. TDS is a result of the interaction of hypothalamo-pituitary and testicular factors. Now, treatment of TDS with testosterone is still controversial due to a lack of large, controlled clinical trials on efficacy. The risks of treatment with testosterone appear to be minimal, although long-term studies on the safety of testosterone therapy are lacking. The aim of the therapy is to establish a physiological concentration of serum testosterone in order to correct the androgen deficiency, relieve its symptoms and prevent long-term sequelae. All of the available products, despite their varying pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, are able to reach this goal. Newer testosterone patches seem not to cause severe skin irritation. Testosterone gels minimize the skin irritation while providing flexibility in dosing and a low discontinuation rate. Oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) is free of liver toxicity. Recent formulation of oral TU markedly increased shelf-live, a major drawback in the older preparation. Producing swings in testosterone levels rising rapidly to the supraphysiological range is not the case with the new injectable long-acting preparation of TU. To be able to rapidly react and stop treatment in cases where side-effects and contraindications are detected, the short-acting transdermal and oral delivery modes have certain advantages. However, there is no evidence that the use of an injectable long-acting TU in men with TDS has limitations in clinical application for this reason. The use of dehydroepiandrosterone is still controversial because of a lack of well designed long-term trials, although some recent studies suggest positive effects on various body systems. Only a few studies have been carried out to investigate the effect of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in TDS with some positive results on various body systems. [source]

Molecular and histological responses in rat skin exposed to m -xylene,

JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
Palur G. Gunasekar
Abstract Solvents, surfactants, cutting fluids, hydrocarbons, and oils cause skin irritation by incompletely understood mechanisms. This study examined histological and molecular changes in rodent skin caused by brief topical exposures to m -xylene. At 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after 1-h exposure, skin samples were removed and analyzed for histopathological changes and interleukin-1, (IL-1,) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein levels. Histopathological changes (epidermal,dermal separation and granulocyte infiltration) and increases in IL-1, and iNOS protein expression occurred during our observation period. IL-1, levels increased by 80% immediately after exposure and iNOS levels increased about 60% 4 hours after exposure. Our study demonstrates that dermal exposure to m -xylene promotes IL-1, and iNOS production in skin and these proteins may serve as early indicators of skin irritation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:92,94, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10065 [source]

Effectiveness of maternity support belts in reducing low back pain during pregnancy: a review

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 11 2009
Simone SM Ho
Aims., This article aims to review the literature published to date on the types, current use, the biomechanical effects and adverse effects of maternity support belts for low back pain during pregnancy, to identify future research directions. Background., Lumbar/pelvic support belts are frequently recommended for the prevention and treatment of low back pain during pregnancy. Design., Systematic review. Methods., MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and patents databases were electronically searched. Results., Maternity support belts belong to one of the four main types of maternity support garments, which are widely commercially-available. Current research showed limited evidence in support of the commercial maternity products regarding the effectiveness in the prevention and/or treatment of low back pain during pregnancy, other than that from the manufacturers. However, potential stabilisation effect of maternity support belt was demonstrated in some studies. Adverse effects reported include increased pain, fetal heart rate changes, skin irritation and discomfort. Conclusions., There is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that wearing maternity support belts reduces pregnancy-related low back pain and/or pelvic girdle pain. Future research directions in the area of biomechanics and physiology are recommended. Relevance to clinical practice., This review provides comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of maternity support belts for the relief of low back pain during pregnancy which will facilitate healthcare professionals in providing evidence-based advice to their patients. [source]

Lactobionic acid in a natural alkylpolyglucoside-based vehicle: assessing safety and efficacy aspects in comparison to glycolic acid

JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
Marija Tasic-Kostov BSc
Summary Background/aims, Lactobionic acid (LA) is a newer cosmeceutical active belonging to the class of alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), showing advantages over them. The aim of part I of this study was to compare efficacy and irritation potential of LA vs. glycolic acid (GA) from two types of vehicles , gel and emulsion. In part II, effects of LA-containing emulsions based on a new, natural emulsifier of alkylpolyglucoside (APG) type were evaluated. Methods, Skin bioengineering was used on 77 healthy volunteers to assess: color as erythema and melanin (MI) index, transepidermal water loss, electrical capacitance and pH of the skin. In part I of the study, the parameters were measured after occlusion and periodically during 2 weeks of test samples application; in part II parameters were measured periodically during 4 weeks. Results/conclusion, LA-containing samples has produced better skin performance when compared with corresponding GA-containing ones, particularly the lack of both skin irritation and skin barrier impairment. When used in vehicles based on a new APG-emulsifier, LA and GA have shown better efficacy, emphasizing the importance of vehicle on the effects of topical actives. LA (6%) in the emulsion based on APGs could be proposed as an alternative to low-molecular AHAs in cosmeceuticals. [source]

Atopic xerosis: employment of noninvasive biophysical instrumentation for the functional analyses of the mildly abnormal stratum corneum and for the efficacy assessment of skin care products

JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
Hachiro Tagami MD
Summary The subtle dryness of the skin surrounding the lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD) is called atopic dry skin or atopic xerosis (AX). AX is more susceptible to the development of AD skin lesions under various environmental stimuli than the clinically normal skin of the people who have or have had or will have AD, which might be called normal atopic skin (NAS) that shows no functional differences as compared to the skin of normal individuals. Routine histopathologic studies of AX that involve the invasive procedures of biopsy are not so helpful in clarifying the underlying pathogenesis. Modern, noninvasive biophysical instrumentation provides rich and quantitative information about various functional aspects of skin. The stratum corneum (SC) of AX reveals not only decreased hydration but also mildly impaired barrier function demonstrable as an increase in transepidermal water loss, elevated pH values, and an increased turnover rate of the SC consisting of thick layers of smaller-sized corneocytes. These data suggest that AX is related to mildly increased epidermal proliferation as a result of the presence of subclinical cutaneous inflammation. Although AX skin does not display any impairment in the recovery of barrier function after physical skin irritation by tape-stripping, it produces a much more severe, long-lasting inflammatory response together with a delay in barrier repair after chemical irritation such as that induced by sodium lauryl sulphate. The SC of AX is biochemically characterized by reduction in the amounts of ceramides, especially ceramide I, sebum lipids, and water-soluble amino acids. None of these changes in SC functions are seen in NAS, which includes not only the normal-looking skin of AD patients long after regression of all active lesions but also of latent atopic skin such as neonates who later develop AD. This suggests that all of the observed functional as well as biochemical abnormalities of AX are a reflection of subclinical inflammation. The presence of the underlying inflammation in AX also differentiates it from senile xerosis. The mildly impaired SC functions of AX can be improved by daily repeated applications of effective moisturizers, i.e., corneotherapy, which is effective in preventing the exacerbating progression of AX to AD resulting from inadvertent scratching of the skin that facilitates the penetration of environmental allergens into the skin. The biophysical confirmation of such efficacy of moisturizers, including cosmetic bases on the mildly impaired barrier function and decreased water-holding capacity of the SC of AX, definitely substantiates the importance of skin care for the cosmetic skin problems that affect every individual in the cold and dry season ranging from late autumn to early spring. [source]

Liposomes in dermatology today

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
J De Leeuw
Abstract Liposomes are vesicles consisting of spherical phospholipid bi-layers with specific properties making them useful for topical application of drugs. Liposome research has expanded considerably over the last 30 years and nowadays, it is possible to construct a wide range of liposomes varying in size, phospholipids composition and surface characteristics to suit the specific application for which they are intended. In dermatology, the topical application of liposomes has proven to be of therapeutic value. Liposomes can be used as carriers for hydrophilic as well as lipophilic therapeutic agents because of their amphipathic character. They may improve stabilization of instable drugs by encapsulating them and serve as penetration enhancers facilitating the transport of compounds that otherwise cannot penetrate the skin. Liposomes help in reducing skin irritation by sustaining the release of drugs and by hydration of the epidermis. They also have the potential to target drugs into the pilosebaceous structures and hence they have an additional advantage for treatment of hair follicle-associated disorders. Clinical data indicate that 5-ALA encapsulated in liposomes improves the quality of Fluorescence Diagnosis by ALA-induced Porphyrins (FD) and optimizes the results of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Conflicts of interest None declared [source]

Treatment of classic Kaposi sarcoma with a nicotine dermal patch: a phase II clinical trial

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 9 2008
JJ Goedert
Abstract Background, Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a malignancy of dermal endothelial cells that is caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection, is sensitive to perturbations of immunity. Nicotine might be effective against KS because of its immunologic and vascular effects and because smoking is associated with a low risk of KS. Objective and study design, We conducted a masked, randomized phase 2 clinical trial of transdermal nicotine and placebo patches to assess the safety and efficacy of nicotine against classic KS (cKS). Subjects and methods, Three cKS lesions, predominantly nodules, in each of 24 non-smoking patients were randomly assigned to 15 weeks continuous treatment with nicotine patch (escalated to 7 mg), identical masked placebo patch or no patch. Changes in lesion area and elevation from baseline through six follow-up visits, by direct measurement and by two independent readers using digital photographs of the lesions, were compared using non-parametric and regression methods. Changes in longitudinal levels of HHV8 antibodies and DNA in blood cells were similarly assessed. Results, There were no systemic or serious adverse events, and compliance was good. One patient resumed smoking and discontinued patches, and two patients withdrew at week 12 for unrelated indications. Six (29%) of the remaining 21 suspended use of patches to relieve local skin irritation; four of these six completed the trial at reduced dose. Treatment assignment was not associated with significant or consistent changes in cKS lesion area or elevation, HHV8 viral load or antibodies. Conclusion, Transdermal nicotine and placebo patches caused no serious toxicities but had no demonstrable effect on nodular cKS lesions or HHV8 levels. [source]

Skin benefits from continuous topical administration of a zinc oxide/petrolatum formulation by a novel disposable diaper

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2001
S Baldwin
Abstract Background Diaper dermatitis is a common childhood affliction. Aiming to help reduce the prevalence of this problem, we have advanced in our development of a novel diaper that delivers dermatological formulations to help protect the skin from over-hydration and irritation. Objective To determine the clinical benefits of a novel disposable diaper designed to deliver a zinc oxide and petrolatum-based formulation continuously to the skin during use. Methods All studies were independent, blinded, randomized clinical trials. Study A was conducted to confirm transfer of the zinc oxide/petrolatum (ZnO/Pet) formulation from the diaper to the child's skin during use. Children wore a single diaper for 3 h or multiple diapers for 24 h. After the use period, stratum corneum samples were taken from each child and analysed for ZnO/Pet. Study B evaluated the prevention of skin irritation and barrier damage from a standard skin irritant (SLS) in an adult arm model. Study C evaluated skin erythema and diaper rash in 268 infants over a 4-week usage period. One half of the infants used the ZnO/Pet diaper, while the other half used a control diaper that was identical except for the absence of the ZnO/Pet formulation. Results The ointment formulation and ZnO transferred effectively from the diaper to the child's skin during product use. Transfer of ZnO increased from 4.2 µg/cm2 at 3 h to > 8 µg/cm2 at 24 h. Exposure to the formulations directly on adult skin prior to an irritant challenge was associated with up to a 3.5 reduction in skin barrier damage and skin erythema. Greatest reductions were seen for the ZnO containing formulations. Wearing of the formulation treated diaper was also associated with a significant reduction in skin erythema and diaper rash compared to the control product. Conclusions The results demonstrated the clinical benefits associated with continuous topical administration of a zinc oxide/petrolatum-based formulation by this novel diaper. [source]

Sharksucker,shark interaction in two carcharhinid species

MARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
Juerg M. Brunnschweiler
Abstract It is not known whether sharksuckers have positive or negative effects on their hosts, partly because this association is difficult to study in free-ranging fish. I observed the behaviour of sharks with and without sharksuckers, to determine whether the hosts actively avoid sharksuckers. Wild blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus, took evasive actions when sharksuckers, Echeneis naucrates, attached to them, presumably to escape from skin irritation or hydrodynamical drag caused by the sharksuckers. Sharksuckers were most often attached to the belly or back of the shark, and sharks reacted most strongly to sharksuckers on their heads, sides, and dorsal fins. Observations of two captive bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, indicated that swimming speed increased when sharksuckers were attached. This paper supports the hypothesis that sharksucker attachment irritates sharks, and that the relationship between the two is best viewed as a subtle host,parasite interaction. [source]

Use of structural alerts to develop rules for identifying chemical substances with skin irritation or skin corrosion potential

MOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 3 2005
Etje Hulzebos
Abstract In this paper structural alerts for acute skin lesions were categorized as irritation or corrosion or a combination of corrosion/irritation alerts. Categorizing the alerts according to their mechanisms of skin irritation and corrosion and connecting them with physicochemical property limits characterizing their domain of applicability provides strategies to save test animals and costs. These alerts can be used for positive classification of chemicals causing skin irritation or skin corrosion according to EU and OECD guidelines. This paper is the third in the series of four papers describing practical, user-friendly and mechanism-based approaches for predicting when chemicals are likely to irritate or corrode the skin. In the first paper the mechanisms of skin irritation and corrosion were described. In the second paper the physicochemical property limit values for chemicals not causing skin irritation and corrosion were given. In the third paper, described here, structural alerts associated with chemicals causing skin irritation and corrosion were identified and characterized. In the fourth paper, the Skin Irritation Corrosion Rules Estimation Tool (SICRET) was described that allows users to classify chemicals as either not causing skin irritation and corrosion based on physicochemical property limit values or irritating or corrosive to the skin based on structural alerts. [source]

(Q)SARs for Predicting Skin Irritation and Corrosion: Mechanisms, Transparency and Applicability of Predictions

Use of Physicochemical Property Limits to Develop Rules for Identifying Chemical Substances with no Skin Irritation or Corrosion Potential

Verification of literature-derived SARs for skin irritation and corrosion

MOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 3 2003
M. Hulzebos
Abstract Structural features known to irritate and corrode skin and physical properties associated with skin absorption were used to evaluate the irritation and corrosion potential of chemicals. Chemicals that irritate and corrode skin include organic acids and bases, aldehydes, halogenated esters, and chemicals with reactive groups. The activity of the reactive group decreases when sterically hindered by adjacent substituents or when electrons of the reactive group interfere with electrons of adjacent substituents. The structural features presented are a good basis for the calculation of SAR prediction rules. Also quantitative and qualitative physical conditions are given to predict skin irritation and skin corrosion. [source]

Depigmenting Action of Phenylhydroquinone, an o -Phenylphenol Metabolite, on the Skin of JY-4 Black Guinea-Pigs

PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002
Kuniaki Tayama
The effects of o -phenylphenol (OPP) and its metabolite, phenylhydroquinone (PHQ) on the skin of JY-4 black guinea-pigs were studied. Topical application of 1 or 5% PHQ on the black skin of the back caused marked depigmentation and hypopigmentation of the skin after 5 weeks, whereas OPP applied at the same concentrations had little effect. Depigmented skin had an increased L* (lightness) value in the CIE-L*a*b* color system. This corresponded with a decreased number of melanocytes and melanosomes in the melanocytes and keratinocytes, the disruption of melanosomes in the melanocytes, and destruction of the membranous organelles of the melanocytes. These morphological and numerical changes in epidermal melanocytes indicate that selective melanocyte toxicity occurred. Furthermore, application of PHQ to the skin of white guinea-pigs caused skin irritation, as shown by a colorimetric increase in a* value (redness) and by histological observation of inflammation. This study confirmed that OPP, which is a reported depigmenter, has little depigmenting action, while its metabolite, PHQ, is a potent depigmenter preferentially affecting melanocytes. [source]

Prospective study of clinical symptoms and skin test reactions in medical students exposed to formaldehyde gas

THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
Sachiko TAKAHASHI
ABSTRACT Previous investigators have reported the occurrence of both allergic and non-allergic systemic complications due to exposure to formaldehyde gas. However, little is known about the pathogenic link between formaldehyde-induced clinical symptoms and patch test results, or about the long-term effects of formaldehyde exposure. In the present study, a questionnaire was administered to 143 medical students, and 60 of them were tested by patch test for formaldehyde at the beginning and end of a human anatomy laboratory course. Another group of 76 students who had finished the course 2,4 years previously were administered another questionnaire, and the patch test was carried out on 58 of them. The frequencies of skin irritation, eye soreness, lacrimation, eye fatigue, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, general fatigue and mood swings increased after repeated exposure. Two (3.3%) of 60 students became positive to 1% formaldehyde at the end of the anatomy course (one male with allergic hand dermatitis due to direct contact with formaldehyde, and one female with an atopic background with unbearable physical symptoms) while the remaining 58 showed a negative reaction throughout the study period. The vast majority of students complained of various non-allergic, physical symptoms, and recovered from such symptoms without subsequent complications. No progression to multiple chemical sensitivity was found. Students with an episode of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis were susceptible to formaldehyde exposure, and developed mucocutaneous symptoms, probably due to the impaired barrier function and remodeling of the skin and mucosa. [source]

MQX-503, a novel formulation of nitroglycerin, improves the severity of Raynaud's phenomenon: A randomized, controlled trial,

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 3 2009
Lorinda Chung
Objective Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) affects 3,9% of the general population and >90% of patients with systemic sclerosis. Nitrates are often prescribed for the treatment of RP, but currently available formulations are limited by side effects, particularly headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of a novel formulation of topical nitroglycerin, MQX-503, in the treatment of RP in an ambulatory setting. Methods We conducted a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study with a 2-week single-blind run-in period to determine baseline severity, followed by a 4-week double-blind treatment phase. Two hundred nineteen adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of primary or secondary RP received 0.9% MQX-503 gel or matching placebo during the treatment period. Gel was applied immediately before or within 5 minutes of the beginning of an episode of RP (maximum of 4 applications daily). End points included the change in the mean Raynaud's Condition Score (RCS; scale 0,10), the frequency and duration of episodes, and subjective assessments at the target week (the week during the treatment phase that most closely matched the run-in period in terms of ambient temperature) compared with baseline. Results The mean (%) change in the RCS at the target week compared with baseline was significantly greater in the MQX-503 group (0.48 [14.3%]) than that in the placebo group (0.04 [1.3%]; P = 0.04). Changes in the frequency and duration of RP episodes and subjective assessments were not statistically different between the groups. MQX-503 had a side effect profile similar to that of placebo. Conclusion MQX-503 is well tolerated and more effective than placebo for the treatment of RP. [source]

Synthesis of Water-Soluble Retinol Derivatives by Enzymatic Method

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2002
Thierry Maugard
Retinoids (vitamin A and derivatives) are of great commercial potential in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals such as skin care products. However, the clinical effectiveness of these retinoids is limited by skin irritation, water insolubility, and except for retinyl-esters, extreme instability. In this paper, an enzymatic method for preparing water-soluble retinol derivatives catalyzed by immobilized lipase is described. The synthesis is based on a unique strategy of two-step enzymatic acylation. Among the different synthesized compounds, the most water-soluble are the disaccharide derivatives such as saccharose retinyl adipate (nonionic water-soluble retinol derivative) and the sodium salt of retinyl diacids such as retinyl succinate sodium salt (ionic water-soluble retinol derivative). [source]

Topical paricalcitol (19-nor-1,,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2) is a novel, safe and effective treatment for plaque psoriasis: a pilot study

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
C. Durakovic
Summary Background, There continues to be a need to develop new pharmacological approaches for treating psoriasis. Topical active vitamin D compounds have proven to be both safe and effective for treating psoriasis. Paricalcitol (19-nor-1,,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2) is a novel vitamin D analogue which has been developed for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic renal failure. Objectives, To investigate the efficacy and safety of 12 weeks' therapy with a once-daily application of paricalcitol ointment (15 ,g g,1) in comparison with placebo ointment. Methods, This pilot double-blinded self-controlled study was initiated in 11 patients with moderate plaque psoriasis. To characterize the biological effects further and to evaluate the efficacy of topical paricalcitol treatment in psoriasis, we have analysed immunohistochemically the expression of one of the markers for epidermal differentiation (transglutaminase K) in paricalcitol-treated skin as compared with placebo treatment. Results, Treatment with paricalcitol was superior to placebo treatment beginning at week 1. The global severity score for erythema, plaque elevation and scaling was improved significantly more by paricalcitol ointment than by placebo (P < 0·001). Similar results were obtained for assessments of scaling, erythema and plaque elevation. No symptoms of local skin irritation were noted. Laboratory parameters including serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio did not reveal any changes of clinical relevance during treatment. The immunoreactivity of transglutaminase K changed after 12 weeks of paricalcitol treatment almost completely to the pattern characteristic for nonlesional psoriatic skin. Conclusions, Once-daily application of paricalcitol ointment was safe and effective for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. [source]

Topical adapalene gel 0·1% vs. isotretinoin gel 0·05% in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized open-label clinical trial

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
D. Ioannides
Summary Background Topical application of isotretinoin and adapalene has proved effective in treating acne vulgaris. Both drugs demonstrate therapeutic advantages and less irritancy over tretinoin, the most widely used treatment for acne. They both act as retinoid agonists, but differ in their affinity profile for nuclear and cytosolic retinoic acid receptors. Objectives To compare the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene gel 0·1% and isotretinoin gel 0·05% in the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face, in a randomized open-label clinical trial. Methods Eighty patients were enrolled and were instructed to apply adapalene gel 0·1% or isotretinoin gel 0·05% once daily over a 12-week treatment period. Efficacy determination included noninflammatory and inflammatory lesion counts by the investigator and global evaluation of improvement. Cutaneous tolerance was assessed by determining erythema, scaling and burning with pruritus. Results Adapalene and isotretinoin gels were highly effective in treating facial acne. Adapalene gel produced greater reductions in noninflammatory and inflammatory lesion counts than did isotretinoin gel, but differences between treatments were not statistically significant. Adapalene gel was significantly better tolerated than isotretinoin gel during the whole treatment period. Conclusions The two gels studied demonstrated comparable efficacy. When adapalene and isotretinoin were compared, significantly lower skin irritation was noted with adapalene, indicating that adapalene may begin a new era of treatment with low-irritant retinoids. [source]

Tetracycline to prevent epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced skin rashes,

CANCER, Issue 4 2008
Results of a placebo-controlled trial from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N03CB)
Abstract BACKGROUND. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are effective cancer therapies, but they are reported to cause a rash in >50% of patients. In the current study, the authors examined the use of tetracycline for rash prevention. METHODS. This placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial enrolled patients who were starting cancer treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. Patients could not have had a rash at the time of enrollment. All patients were randomly assigned to receive either tetracycline at a dose of 500 mg orally twice a day for 28 days versus a placebo. Patients were monitored for rash (through monthly physician assessment and weekly patient-reported questionnaires), quality of life (using the SKINDEX-16, a skin-specific quality of life index), and adverse events. Monitoring occurred during the 4-week intervention and then for an additional 4 weeks. The primary objective of the current study was to compare the incidence of rash between the study arms, and the enrollment of 30 patients per arm provided a 90% probability of detecting a 40% difference in incidence with a P value of .05 (2-sided). RESULTS. A total of 61 evaluable patients were enrolled. The 2 treatment arms were well balanced with regard to baseline characteristics, dropout rates, and rates of discontinuation of the EGFR inhibitor. The incidence of rash was found to be comparable across treatment arms. Physicians reported that 16 patients treated with tetracycline (70%) and 22 patients treated with placebo (76%) developed a rash (P = .61). Tetracycline appears to have lessened the rash severity, although the high dropout rates invite caution when interpreting these findings. By Week 4, physician-reported grade 2 rash (using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 3.0]) occurred in 17% of tetracycline-treated patients (n = 4 patients) and in 55% of placebo-exposed patients (n = 16 patients) (P = .04). Patients treated with tetracycline reported better scores, as per the SKINDEX-16, on certain quality-of-life parameters such as skin burning or stinging, skin irritation, and being bothered by the persistence/recurrence of a skin condition. Adverse events were found to be comparable across treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS. In the current study, tetracycline was not found to prevent EGFR inhibitor-induced rashes and therefore cannot be clinically recommended for this purpose. However, preliminary observations of diminished rash severity and improved quality of life suggest this antibiotic merits further study. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society. [source]

Potential impact of a new blood glucose monitoring device: the GlucoWatch® Biographer

PRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 4 2002
NN Chan
Abstract Home blood glucose monitoring may be laborious, time-consuming, inconvenient and painful. Failure to test may preclude optimisation of glycaemic control. We aimed to evaluate the potential usefulness of a new noninvasive automatic glucose monitor, the GlucoWatch® Biographer. Eight patients with type 1 diabetes and two with type 2 diabetes (4M:6F) aged between 23 and 65 years participated in this study. All participants were given 1 hour of instruction prior to provision of the GlucoWatch®. They were given contact numbers and reviewed weekly. Several disadvantages were encountered by the participants, which included the daily 3 hour calibration period (n = 10), skin irritations (n = 6) and skipped measurements (n = 2) due to unsatisfactory probe contact due to skin temperature or sweats. Several patients, however, found it invaluable to have their daily profile monitored to allow insulin dosage adjustment and detection of hypoglycaemia. The GlucoWatch® Biographer is an invaluable tool that allows noninvasive detection of glucose trends, which contributes to glycaemic control. However, it is not suitable for every patient. Self-motivation and ability to learn how to use the device are the key factors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]