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The efficacy of a moisturizer (Locobase) among cleaners and kitchen assistants during everyday exposure to water and detergents
Author(s) -
HalkierSøsensen Lars,
ThesirupPedersen Kristian
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1993.tb03563.x
Subject(s) - moisturizer , medicine , cosmetics , dermatology , food science , chemistry , pathology
Workers exposed to various irritants are widely advised to use moisturizers. To evaluate the efficacy of a moisturizer (Locobase), we studied 111 cleaners and kitchen workers, during everyday exposure to water and detergents. All look part in a standardized interview, After randomization. 1/2 the workers ( n =56) used Locobase during a period of 2 weeks (period L), followed by a period without any emollient (period C). or vice versa( n =5). Clinical assessment and measurements of the skin surface temperature, electrical capacitance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed on the fingers, hands and arms on entry to the study, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks, or at drop out. The final evaluation showed that 70(63%) were able to complete the study: 23 (21%) completed period L. but withdrew from period C after a mean of 6 days because of progressive dryness of the skin and eczema: and 12 (11%) were excluded because they used topical corticosteroids or emollients. The remaining 6 (5%) participants were lost to follow‐up. Clinically, we observed a significant increase in dryness ( p < 0.001) during periods of no treatment (period C), and normalization of the skin texture during use of Locobase. Clinical observations were confirmed by statistically significant differences ( p < 0.001) in the electrical capacitance (epidermal hydration), which decreased during period C and increased to pre‐study values during period L. No ‐significant differences were found in skin temperatures and TEWL rates. Analysis of the questionnaires showed that inability to complete the study (period C) was strongly correlated with incidence of previous skin diseases (irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, atopy, etc.). It is concluded that cleaners and kitchen workers in general benefit from the use of a moisturizer during exposure to various irritants, and that use of a moisturizer seems to be an absolute necessity for 1/3 of the workers.