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Skin Therapy Letter 2009Eczema is a major public health problem affecting children worldwide. Few studies have directly assessed triggers for disease flares. This paper presents evidence from a...
Eczema is a major public health problem affecting children worldwide. Few studies have directly assessed triggers for disease flares. This paper presents evidence from a published systematic review and a prospective cohort study looking at flare factors in eczema. This systematic review suggested that foodstuffs in selected groups, dust exposure, unfamiliar pets, seasonal variation, stress, and irritants may be important in eczema flares. We performed a prospective cohort study that focused on environmental factors and identified associations between exposure to nylon clothing, dust, unfamiliar pets, sweating, shampoo, and eczema flares. Results from this study also demonstrated some new key findings. First, the effect of shampoo was found to increase in cold weather, and second, combinations of environmental factors were associated with disease exacerbation, supporting a multiple component disease model. This information is likely to be useful to families and may lead to the ability to reduce disease flares in the future.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Cold Temperature; Eczema; Environmental Exposure; Hair Preparations; Humans; Infant; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Weather
PubMed: 20054505
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2021Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is an anti-fungal drug delivered as a microparticle to skin epithelia. It is one of the most widely used ingredients worldwide in medicated... (Review)
Review
Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is an anti-fungal drug delivered as a microparticle to skin epithelia. It is one of the most widely used ingredients worldwide in medicated shampoo for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (SD), a disorder with symptoms that include skin flaking, erythema and pruritus. SD is a multi-factorial disease driven by microbiol dysbiosis, primarily involving yeast. Anti-fungal activity of ZnPT depends on the cutaneous availability of bioactive monomeric molecular species, occurring upon particle dissolution. The success of ZnPT as a topical therapeutic is underscored by the way it balances treatment efficacy with formulation safety. This review demonstrates how ZnPT achieves this balance, by integrating the current understanding of SD pathogenesis with an up-to-date analysis of ZnPT pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology. ZnPT has anti-fungal activity with an average in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration of 10-15 ppm against the most abundant scalp skin species ( and ). Efficacy is dependent on the targeted delivery of ZnPT to the skin sites where these yeasts reside, including the scalp surface and hair follicle infundibulum. Imaging and quantitative analysis tools have been fundamental for critically evaluating the therapeutic performance and safety of topical ZnPT formulations. Toxicologic investigations have focused on understanding the risk of local and systemic adverse effects following exposure from percutaneous penetration. Future research is expected to yield further advances in ZnPT formulations for SD and also include re-purposing towards a range of other dermatologic applications, which is likely to have significant clinical impact.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Antifungal Agents; Dermatitis, Seborrheic; Dysbiosis; Epidermis; Epithelium; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Optical Imaging; Organometallic Compounds; Pyridines; Skin; Skin Absorption; Spectrum Analysis
PubMed: 34575891
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189730 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2022Cosmetic and personal care products are considered an essential part of our daily care routine; hence, these products must be stable and safe for human use. This study...
Cosmetic and personal care products are considered an essential part of our daily care routine; hence, these products must be stable and safe for human use. This study aimed to assess the quality and safety of the most common cosmetic preparations. To select the products to be tested, a cross-sectional survey was distributed featuring the most used types and brands of products. Based on 447 responses from both males and females with different ages and education levels, 21 products from different brands were selected and tested in terms of microbial load, heavy metal content, and organoleptic properties. Microbial contamination was investigated using the aerobic plate count method. Lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and arsenic (As) impurities were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The products included sunblock, lip balm, hand cream, hair cream, shampoo, cleanser, baby oil, baby powder, bar soap, hair dye, makeup, deodorant, hair serum, shaving gel, and toothpaste. Microbial contamination was found in 14 of the products, ranging between 1467.5 and 299.5 cfu/ml. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus species. Most of the tested products showed metal impurities, with toothpaste having the highest concentrations of Pb, Cr, As, Cu and Ni. The samples did not show lumps or discoloration, did not have characteristic odors, and had pH values ranging from 6.90 to 8.10. The continuous usage of such products could lead to serious negative consequences. As a result, ensuring the quality of cosmetic products is critical. Regulatory authorities are required to enforce strict legislation on cosmetic manufacturing to assess and ensure the quality and safety of the products before they reach consumers.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Toothpastes; Cross-Sectional Studies; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Cadmium; Cosmetics; Chromium; Nickel; Arsenic; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 36316522
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21771-7 -
Metabolites Sep 2022Many drug tests are carried out by means of hair analysis. The aim of the present study was to clarify if and to what extent it is possible to manipulate the results of...
Many drug tests are carried out by means of hair analysis. The aim of the present study was to clarify if and to what extent it is possible to manipulate the results of hair analyses on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by using various commercially available everyday products and products advertised on the internet to be able to reduce the concentrations of drugs in hair. Fifty-four THC-positive hair samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry; they were analyzed untreated or treated with Vodka Gorbatschow (n = 19), Seborin hair tonic (n = 11), Zydot shampoo (n = 6), Desderman disinfectant (n = 11) and Head and Shoulders shampoo (n = 7). A mean reduction of 52% (Zydot shampoo) to 65% (Desderman) was shown. Hair treatments could not be detected visually. Hair concentrations could also be decreased to non-detectability by using these everyday hair care products. Therefore, it is recommended to complement abstinence controls using hair samples by urine analysis and to not over-interpret quantitative results of THC concentrations in hair.
PubMed: 36295802
DOI: 10.3390/metabo12100900 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Nov 2015Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of the innate immune system in many species of animals. Their diverse spectrum of activity against microbial pathogens, both... (Review)
Review
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of the innate immune system in many species of animals. Their diverse spectrum of activity against microbial pathogens, both as innate defense molecules and immunomodulators, makes them attractive candidates for the development of a new generation of antibiotics. Although the potential immunogenicity of AMPs means they are not suitable for injection and their susceptibility to digestive peptidases is likely to reduce their oral efficacy, they are ideal for topical formulations such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and wound dressings and could therefore be valuable products for the cosmetic industry. In this context, short AMPs (<20 amino acids) lacking disulfide bonds combine optimal antimicrobial activity with inexpensive chemical synthesis and are therefore more compatible with large-scale production and the modifications required to ensure stability, low toxicity, and microbial specificity. Proof-of-concept for the application of AMPs as novel anti-infectives has already been provided in clinical trials. This perspective considers the anti-infective properties of short AMPs lacking disulfide bonds, which are active against dermatologically important microflora. We consider the challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate the prophylactic application of AMPs in personal care products.
Topics: Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cosmetics; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 26307444
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6926-1 -
International Journal of Trichology 2016Plica neuropathica also known as "birds nest" is irreversible matting of hair seen in otherwise healthy individuals and is usually associated with use of ionic/herbal... (Review)
Review
Plica neuropathica also known as "birds nest" is irreversible matting of hair seen in otherwise healthy individuals and is usually associated with use of ionic/herbal soaps, shampoos, parasitic infestations, psychiatric alterations, or neglect. Anagen effluvium is a known side effect of many immunosuppressive drugs. Rarely matting of hair has been reported following azathioprine. We report plica neuropathica in two chronically ill patients on immunosuppressive drugs, that is, azathioprine and methotrexate along with a review of literature of its etiological factors and pathogenesis.
PubMed: 27127367
DOI: 10.4103/0974-7753.179393 -
Pharmacognosy Reviews Jul 2013This review includes 84 references on the genus Calendula (Asteraceae) and comprises ethnopharmacology, morphology and microscopy, phytoconstituents, pharmacological... (Review)
Review
This review includes 84 references on the genus Calendula (Asteraceae) and comprises ethnopharmacology, morphology and microscopy, phytoconstituents, pharmacological reports, clinical studies and toxicology of the prominent species of Calendula. Triterpene alcohols, triterpene saponins, flavonoids, carotenoids and polysaccharides constitute major classes of phytoconstituents of the genus. A few species of this genus have medicinal value, among these Calendula officinalis Linn., has been traditionally used in the treatment of various skin tumors, dermatological lesions, ulcers, swellings and nervous disorders as well as almost 200 cosmetic formulations, i.e., creams, lotions, shampoos. Despite a long tradition of use of some species, the genus has not been explored properly. In the concluding part, the future scope of Calendula species has been emphasized with a view to establish their multifarious biological activities and mode of action.
PubMed: 24347926
DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.120520 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2015Sensitive or hyperreactive skin is a common condition defined by prickling, burning, pain, and pruritus. Although this skin problem was initially described on the face,...
BACKGROUND
Sensitive or hyperreactive skin is a common condition defined by prickling, burning, pain, and pruritus. Although this skin problem was initially described on the face, the scalp is often affected. A sensitive scalp can react with irritation to harsh surfactants or other additives which are often present in shampoos. For this reason, we developed a new rinse-off hypertolerant shampoo specifically designed for the hypersensitive and problematic scalp.
METHODS
The shampoo formulation is based on an extremely mild surfactant system and contains bisabolol, an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory ingredient of chamomile. The shampoo is free of additives such as perfumes, silicones, colorants, parabens, paraffins, and betaine. Since skin can remain in a hyperreactive state after wounding, the status after hair transplantation was chosen as a model system to test the shampoo. Scalp condition and compatibility of each volunteer were analyzed by a plastic surgeon directly after hair transplant and after stitch removal. The plastic surgeons also rated whether they would recommend the further use of the test shampoo. Additionally, volunteers completed a self-assessment questionnaire.
RESULTS
Following hair transplantation, regular use of the shampoo resulted in a significant reduction in the extent of scabbing and erythema. This was confirmed by dermatological scalp examinations performed by the plastic surgeon as well as in volunteers' self-assessments. The plastic surgeon highly recommended the further use of the test shampoo after hair transplant to all study participants.
CONCLUSION
Application of the test shampoo demonstrated excellent skin compatibility and product efficacy after hair transplant. The test shampoo significantly reduced the extent of scabs and erythema. Therefore, the shampoo is ideally suited for use after hair transplantation and for the treatment of sensitive scalp. The excellent skin compatibility is because of the mild surfactant system, the calming ingredient bisabolol, and the absence of potentially irritating ingredients.
PubMed: 26229498
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S86015 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Selenium (Se), as one of the essential and nutrient components of living organisms and plants, plays an important role in life activities, while excessive selenium is...
Selenium (Se), as one of the essential and nutrient components of living organisms and plants, plays an important role in life activities, while excessive selenium is hazardous to human health. So, the establishment of an effective method for simple, rapid, and highly sensitive determination of selenium content is crucial in the field of food composition analysis and other areas. In this paper, a novel and simple ratiometric fluorescence method for the determination of Se has been developed using 9-anthracenemethanol (AM) as the ratiometric fluorescence reagent on the basis of the conventional fluorometric assay which utilized 2,3-diaminonapthalene (DAN) as fluorescent ligand. The ratiometric method was compared with the conventional method with respect to precision and accuracy. The inter-day and intra-day precisions (RSDs) of the ratiometric fluorescence method ranged from 2.08 to 2.78% and 1.28 to 1.84%, with mean recoveries of 93.2~98.0% and limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.0016 and 0.0049 μg/mL, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the determination of total selenium in selenium-enriched milk and selenium-supplemented shampoo, with the results in agreement with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results demonstrated that the precision and accuracy of the ratiometric fluorescence method were superior to those of the conventional fluorescence method, and the interferences of various environmental factors were effectively eliminated. The precision and accuracy of the conventional method can be significantly improved by simply adding an elaborately selected ratiometric fluorescence reagent, and the new method will have broader practical applications.
Topics: Humans; Selenium; Mass Spectrometry; Limit of Detection; Fluorometry; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 38005573
DOI: 10.3390/s23229187 -
Cureus Apr 2022Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CARP) of Gougerot and Carteaud is a rare chronic disease with exacerbation and remissions typically affecting young people....
Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CARP) of Gougerot and Carteaud is a rare chronic disease with exacerbation and remissions typically affecting young people. Classic clinical characteristics include asymptomatic scaly hyperpigmented macules, patches, and papules in the trunk's confluent and reticular pattern. A 12-year-old girl, otherwise healthy, presented with itchy, persistent skin lesions all over her body for one year. Skin examination revealed generalized scaly brownish patches, thin papules, and plaques all over her body, including her face, neck, middle of the chest, abdomen, back, upper extremities, elbows, lower extremities, and knees. Wood's lamp examination of her skin lesions was unrevealing. Skin biopsy showed papillomatosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and hypergranulosis. The dermis showed perivascular inflammatory cellular infiltrate. Based on the above clinicopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with CARP. In our case, a generalized form was reported. CARP is diagnosed based on clinical and histopathological features. Oral antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment. Our patient responded well to oral minocycline 85 mg one tablet daily, tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily, and selenium sulfide shampoo twice weekly for two months. The classic clinical characteristics of CARP include asymptomatic scaly hyperpigmented macules, patches, and papules in a confluent and reticular pattern on the trunk. A generalized form, as in our case, has been reported. CARP is diagnosed based on clinical and histopathological features. Oral antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment.
PubMed: 35651451
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24557