Title: Objective bioengineering methods to assess the effects of moisturizers on xerotic leg skin of elderly people
Abstract:BACKGROUND: Dry, itchy, scaly skin is a common and distressing problem for elderly people. The regression method is commonly employed to compare the efficacy of moisturizers. However, this method reli...BACKGROUND: Dry, itchy, scaly skin is a common and distressing problem for elderly people. The regression method is commonly employed to compare the efficacy of moisturizers. However, this method relies solely on clinical estimates of scale removal and provides no information on the structural and functional changes of the stratum corneum. METHODS: We compared a commercial 15% glycolic acid lotion (NeoStrata) with a traditional water in oil emulsion containing a mixture of lanolin alcohols, mineral oil, and petrolatum (Eucerin cream). These were applied twice daily for 6 weeks to the xerotic legs of elderly women. A variety of methods were used to assess the effects on the horny layer barrier. RESULTS: The time to induce burning by chloroform:methanol was decreased by NeoStrata and increased by Eucerin. Transepidermal water loss increased after NeoStrata treatment and decreased after Eucerin treatment. The stratum corneum was more resistant to NaOH erosions with Eucerin but remained unchanged with NeoStrata. Dimethyl sulfoxide whealing decreased with Eucerin but was unchanged with NeoStrata. The inflammatory reaction to sodium lauryl sulfate was diminished by Eucerin and increased by NeoStrata. CONCLUSION: Both treatments were equally effective in smoothing the surface. However, the glycolic acid lotion weakened the stratum corneum barrier in contrast with Eucerin, which enhanced it. (J Dermatol Treat (2000) 11: 241-245)Read More
Publication Year: 2000
Publication Date: 2000-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 14
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