Anti-chromium barrier creams

Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium in Cement Samples From Countries Within and Outside the EU: A Study From the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is often severe and difficult to treat. The content of Cr(VI) in cement can be reduced by, for example, addition of iron(II) sulfate. Since 2005 the content of Cr(VI) in cement is regulated in the EU Directive 2003/53/EC and must not exceed 2 ppm. Since this regulation came into force, ACD caused by cement has markedly been reduced. Objective: To investigate Cr(VI) and total chromium content in samples of cement from countries within and outside the EU. Methods: The members of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) were invited to participate in the study with the aim to collect cement samples from geographically different areas. The content of Cr(VI) in the samples was estimated by the diphenyl carbazide spot test, atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to assess the total chromium content. Results: Forty-five cement samples were analyzed, containing amounts of Cr(VI) from <0.1 to >70 ppm. Twenty-one samples contained >2 ppm Cr(VI), 24 contained less. Four of 17 samples from within the EU contained >2 ppm Cr(VI), that is, higher amounts than stipulated in the EU directive, as compared with 17 samples from countries outside the EU. Conclusion: In countries outside the EU, significantly more cement samples contained >2 ppm Cr(VI).

Cutting oil dermatitis on guinea pig skin (I). Cutting oil dermatitis and barrier cream

We assessed the effect of repeated application of cutting oil on 9 guinea pigs' skin by visual scoring and skin water vapour loss measurement. The visual scores (severity score) were significantly higher on skin treated with cutting oil (positive control) compared to untreated skin (negative control). The corresponding mean SVL values were also significantly higher. We also assessed the effect of 2 barrier creams on the 9 guinea pigs' skin treated with cutting oil. The visual scores on skin treated with either barrier cream were significantly higher than positive control skin. The corresponding mean SVL values on skin treated with either barrier cream were also higher (not statistically significant). It appeared that the 2 barrier creams did not confer protection against the irritant effect of the cutting oil. On the contrary, barrier creams appeared to exacerbate the irritant effect of cutting oil.

Percutaneous absorption of 3 organic solvents in the guinea pig. (III). Effect of barrier creams

The efficacy of 4 barrier preparations presented as cream or foam against percutaneous absorption of organic solvents was investigated in the guinea pig. An ordinary hand cream was also tested. Slight reduction in blood concentration of the solvents was seen when normal skin treated with barrier creams was exposed. Absorption of butanol through stripped skin treated with barrier creams was higher than absorption through skin not so treated. Barrier creams can be considered to give poor skin protection against the organic solvents investigated.

The effect of 4 barrier creams on the absorption of water, benzene, and formaldehyde into excised human skin

The effect of 4 barrier creams on the absorption of (3H)-water (14C)-benzene and (14C)-formaldehyde into excised human skin was studied. The control skin and the barrier cream treated skin were exposed to the test substance for 0.5 hr, whereupon the amount absorbed was determined. The results indicated that the experimental cream "Water barrier" reduced the absorption of water and benzene but not formaldehyde. Kerodex 71 cream slightly reduced the absorption of benzene and formaldehyde. The barrier creams Petrogard and "Solvent barrier" did not affect the absorption of any of the substances studied. The use of these creams against percutaneous absorption is questioned.

Formulation of a barrier cream against chromate

A topical cosmetic cream has been developed for use on patients occupationally sensitized to chromate. With the components of this preparation, an in vitro study was carried out, which demonstrated the efficiency of each component. An in vivo experiment on 25 volunteer patients proved a failure. The formula was modified to produce a new cream. The in vitro and in vivo experiences showed satisfactory results in 60 volunteer patients, 60% of whom benefitted from using it.

Skin protection against ionized cobalt and sodium lauryl sulphate with barrier creams

853 individuals who are still working or had previously worked in hard metal manufacture were examined and selected for patch tests with materials from their working environment including metal allergens. The majority of the individuals with positive test reactions to cobalt chloride were retested with serial dilutions of cobalt chloride and with the same serial dilutions after preparation of the skin with a layer of barrier or emollient cream used for hand care in this factory. The irritant effect of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) was similarly investigated. The barrier and emollient creams did not give any protection against cobalt chloride or sodium lauryl sulphate. In fact they seemed to enhance the penetration of cobalt ions. Their use in protection against metal allergens and cutting fluids is questionable.

Sensitivity to epoxy resins and triethylenetetramine

The present studies concerned 31 work sites in eight factories at which 422 persons were employed. In the course of seven years there were 126 cases of dermatitis, 99 of whom were patch-tested. Positive reactions to epoxy resin and/or to triethylenetetramine were found in 65.7% of the subjects. The aetiology of the other cases is discussed. Some of the patients who were positive to epoxy resin were tested with Bisphenol A and modified resins with blocked epoxy groups. The latency period of dermatitis and the localization were recorded, as well as the influence of the season and of certain working conditions on the occurrence of sensitization. Of the 80 patients who changed their occupation, there were relapses in 50 within one year. Relapses were more frequent in persons who continued to work with epoxy resins for more than three months after the appearance of dermatitis and in those simultaneously sensitive to allergens in the standard series.