Ossido di zinco: nuovo preparato specifico per cute intollerante

It is well known that irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) may precede or promote allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) as damage to the cutaneous barrier allows the penetration of irritant and allergic substances through the outer layers of skin. Therefore, the most important step in the treatment of eczematous diseases, is to restore the physiological skin barrier function and zinc oxide paste has always been one of the best treatments. The present study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a new water in oil formulation which contains 8% zinc oxide and a very low percentage of additives and nickel, and which has soothing and protective properties. 27 patients (21 females and 6 males), aged between 9 and 75 years (average 37) with different types of dermatitis were included in the study. All patients gave their informed consent and they were asked to apply the topical preparation twice a day for a two-week trial period. At the start (T0) and at the end of the treatment (T1), patients were assessed clinically on a 0-3 arbitrary unit (AU) score scale for objective features (erythema, dryness and desquamation) and on a 0-10 (AU) score scale for subjective features (itching and burning). Moreover, an instrumental estimate of cutaneous hydration (conductivity) was made using the Corneometer CM 800 (Courage & Khazaka). In order to test the tolerability, the product was patch tested as is on the backs of 33 healthy volunteers. All the patients completed the study and the formulation was always tolerated when applied to both affected and normal skin. Our results demonstrated a 64% improvement for erythema, dryness and desquamaton (TO: 3.33 AU; T1: 1.19 AU), 76% for itching and burning (T0: 8.07 AU; T1: 1.96 AU) and 20% for skin hydration (TO: 81.9±21.6 AU; T: 100±19.9 AU). No positive patch test reactions or side effects were observed. The preparation has a very low percentage of preservatives and nickel and is fragrance free. It was tolerated by all and has been found to be effective in decreasing the subjective and objective symptoms of multiple dermatitis related to sensitive skin.