title: The use of cleansers as therapeutic concomitants in various dermatologic disorders.
abstract: The choice of a mild cleansing agent is important in the adjunctive management of various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, rosacea, photoaging, retinoid-induced irritant dermatitis, and sensitive skin. There are 3 major categories of cleansing agents: soaps, synthetic detergents, and lipid-free cleansing agents. The irritancy potential of cleansing agents is a function of a number of factors, including the pH, type of surfactants, and amount of skin residue. Furthermore, the presence of humectants and emollients also can influence the overall mildness of a cleansing agent. Agents with slightly acidic or neutral pH, nonionic surfactants, and minimal skin residue may be preferable for people who are at increased risk for irritancy reactions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bikowski
mesh_terms: D003902:Detergents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D013501:Surface-Active Agents