J F Fowler1. 1. Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. fowlerjoe@msn.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Irritant and allergic hand dermatitis is difficult to control in individuals who are unable to avoid causative exposures. Effectiveness of "protective" creams has been poor. OBJECTIVE: To determine if hand dermatitis, primarily of an occupational nature, could be improved by the use of a newly developed moisturizing cream containing Quaternium-18-Bentonite. METHODS: Adult male and female subjects with chronic hand dermatitis felt to be either allergic, irritant, or combined in nature, after a 2-week observation period, were given the study cream for routine application. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the investigator and the subject evaluated the skin parameters, including redness, scaling, fissuring, blistering, and pruritus, on a numerical scale. A global evaluation was also performed. Photographs were taken at each visit. Use of topical corticosteroids was recorded. No systemic therapies other than antihistamines were allowed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects were enrolled in the study and 33 completed it. The physician's and the subject's initial global evaluations averaged 6.0 and 5.8, respectively (0-10 scale). The final scores were 2.9 and 2.8, respectively, an improvement of 50% (p < 0.001). Topical corticosteroid usage was reduced in 29 of 33 subjects. Fifteen of 35 had a final score of 0-2, indicating complete or almost complete clearing. Only 10, including 2 of the dropouts, failed to show improvement. No adverse effects were noted. COMMENT: This moisturizing cream significantly improved chronic hand dermatitis in a majority of individuals with previously uncontrolled dermatitis despite continuing in their regular occupation.
BACKGROUND: Irritant and allergic hand dermatitis is difficult to control in individuals who are unable to avoid causative exposures. Effectiveness of "protective" creams has been poor. OBJECTIVE: To determine if hand dermatitis, primarily of an occupational nature, could be improved by the use of a newly developed moisturizing cream containing Quaternium-18-Bentonite. METHODS: Adult male and female subjects with chronic hand dermatitis felt to be either allergic, irritant, or combined in nature, after a 2-week observation period, were given the study cream for routine application. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the investigator and the subject evaluated the skin parameters, including redness, scaling, fissuring, blistering, and pruritus, on a numerical scale. A global evaluation was also performed. Photographs were taken at each visit. Use of topical corticosteroids was recorded. No systemic therapies other than antihistamines were allowed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects were enrolled in the study and 33 completed it. The physician's and the subject's initial global evaluations averaged 6.0 and 5.8, respectively (0-10 scale). The final scores were 2.9 and 2.8, respectively, an improvement of 50% (p < 0.001). Topical corticosteroid usage was reduced in 29 of 33 subjects. Fifteen of 35 had a final score of 0-2, indicating complete or almost complete clearing. Only 10, including 2 of the dropouts, failed to show improvement. No adverse effects were noted. COMMENT: This moisturizing cream significantly improved chronic hand dermatitis in a majority of individuals with previously uncontrolled dermatitis despite continuing in their regular occupation.
Authors: Robert Winker; Bayda Salameh; Sabine Stolkovich; Michael Nikl; Alfred Barth; Elisabeth Ponocny; Hans Drexler; Gerhard Tappeiner Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2008-10-30 Impact factor: 3.015