title: Presence of formaldehyde in topical corticosteroid preparations available on the Swedish market.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the formaldehyde content of topical corticosteroid preparations available on the Swedish market. 73 samples were analysed with the chromotropic acid (CA) method for semi-quantitative formaldehyde determination and 30 samples with a high-performance liquid chromatographic method. These included 24 ointments, 28 creams, 1 lotion, 6 liniments, 2 gels, 9 solutions, 2 mousses and 1 oral paste. Formaldehyde was found in 5 creams and 1 ointment. Sources of formaldehyde in these preparations were discussed. Isopropanol was identified as a probable source of yellow discoloration, leading to false-negative results with the CA method.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden. agtj_2000@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Anthony Teik-Jin
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Goon
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gruvberger
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Persson
authors.forename: Marléne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Isaksson
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruze
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000485:Allergens; D005557:Formaldehyde