Electrometric assessment of the effect of a zinc oxide paste in diaper dermatitis.

Abstract

Diaper dermatitis affects nearly 50% of infants as well as some bed-ridden adults particularly in the elderly people. This condition is induced by irritation and maceration, and may be further exacerbated by Candida sp. colonization and infection. A key factor in the pathogenesis is the alteration in both the barrier function and the water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an unmedicated zinc oxide-petrolatum paste and to observe for possible shielding and restoring effects on the water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum altered by diaper dermatitis. The paste appeared to load the hollow skin microrelief. It was inferred that this effect was responsible for a reticulated shielding effect. Compared with healthy skin and untreated diaper dermatitis, the application of the anhydrous paste resulted in a trend to normalize electrometric properties of skin reflecting the combination of transepidermal water loss and the water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum.

• Authors: E Xhauflaire-Uhoda, F Henry, C Piérard-Franchimont, G E Piérard
• Journal: International journal of cosmetic science (Int J Cosmet Sci) Vol. 31 Issue 5 Pg. 369-74 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1468-2494 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19467034 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Petrolatum
• Zinc Oxide

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Diaper Rash (drug therapy)
• Electric Impedance
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Petrolatum (administration & dosage)
• Skin Physiological Phenomena (drug effects)
• Zinc Oxide (administration & dosage)