The involvement of protein denaturing activity in the effect of surfactants on skin barrier function

An Overview of Film-Forming Emulsions for Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery

Drug delivery through the skin is a widely used therapeutic method for the treatment of local dermatologic conditions. Dermal and transdermal methods of drug delivery offer numerous advantages, but some of the most important aspects of drug absorption through the skin need to be considered. Film-forming systems (FFS) represent a new mode of sustained drug delivery that can be used to replace traditional topical formulations such as creams, ointments, pastes, or patches. They are available in various forms, including solutions, gels, and emulsions, and can be categorised as film-forming gels and film-forming emulsions. Film-forming emulsions (FFE) are designed as oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions that form a film with oil droplets encapsulated in a dry polymer matrix, thus maintaining their dispersed nature. They offer several advantages, including improved solubility, bioavailability and chemical stability of lipophilic drugs. In addition, they could improve the penetration and diffusion of drugs through the skin and enhance their absorption at the target site due to the nature of the components used in the formulation. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date compilation of the technologies used in film-forming emulsions to support their development and availability on the market as well as the development of new pharmaceutical forms.

Effects of ultra-pure soft water on the hands of nurses in a neonatal intensive care unit: A randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HCWs) wash their hands with tap water (TW) and soap. However, hard TW causes dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to compare the effects of ultra-pure soft water (UPSW) with those of TW on the hands of HWCs.

METHODS

The present study was a prospective randomized trial with a crossover design. All the nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the study centre were divided into Sequence 1 (UPSW to TW) or 2 (TW to UPSW) and washed their hands with TW or UPSW in alternating 4-week periods with a 4-week washout period. Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were evaluated. Skin condition was self-assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one and 22 nurses were assigned to Sequence 1 and Sequence 2, respectively. USPW increased SCH to a significantly greater degree than TW (mean: 26.3 μS ± 12.3 SD; 95% confidence interval: 1.12-51.54; p = 0.041) although it did not affect TEWL. UPSW use significantly improved the subjects' skin condition, as reflected in an overall increase in the assessment scores.

CONCLUSIONS

UPSW improved SCH and the condition of hand skin. Prolonged USPW use may increase nurses' comfort during work and hand hygiene compliance.