Skin protection for photosensitized patients.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to evaluate various creams for their capability to protect photosensitized skin from visible light.


METHODS
Two cover creams and creams containing various combinations of Vaseline with TiO(2), ZnO, and Fe(2)O(3) were used to measure the reduced light transmission and the light absorption spectrum. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed to assess the protection from light by above mentioned compounds.


RESULTS
The cover creams and the 50% TiO(2) cream showed similar efficacy in reducing light transmission, while the sunscreen was less efficient by a factor of 5. Cell protection by 25% TiO(2)+25% ZnO, TiO(2), or the cover creams was more efficient than protection by the sunscreen or other compounds. In vivo, the dark cover cream protected the skin by a factor of 3.4 better than the sunscreen.


CONCLUSIONS
The dark cover cream has acceptable properties to protect photosensitized skin.
Schwarz
V A
VA
Research Division of Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. Viola.Schwarz@fhk.usz.ch
Klein
S D
SD
Hornung
R
R
Knochenmuss
R
R
Wyss
P
P
Fink
D
D
Haller
U
U
Walt
H
H
D000042:Absorption / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014025:Titanium / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; C009495:titanium dioxide; C000499:ferric oxide; D014025:Titanium; D015034:Zinc Oxide