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In the skin ulcer or severely inflamed and erosive lesions induced due to burn, wounds and other dermatitides, lipid peroxides were markedly increased, with resultant cytotoxic effects in situ. Generally, superoxide dismutase (SOD), which scavenges oxygen radicals or inhibits lipid peroxidation, is adapted to be induced (increased) under oxygen toxicity. For the treatment of not only systemic inflammatory diseases but also skin ulcer lesions, especially due to burn and wounds, liposomal-encapsulated SOD injection was effective. Topical application of free Mn-SOD or Cu, Zn-SOD extracted from bovine, bacterial and other species except for human was also dramatically effective in skin lesions; a burnt patient who was advised to undergo skin transplantation showed complete healing with free SOD cream. In addition, topical application of low molecular weight antioxidants, AOAor Bio-harmony, also showed remarkable effectiveness in these skin lesions. However, SOD dissolved in the vehicle containing greater amounts of vaselinum album (white petrolatum) rapidly lost its activity, and that dissolved in the vehicle with large quantities of water lost its activity within 3 months. In conclusion, SOD should be dissolved in the vehicle before use, however, low molecular weight antioxidant cream can be commercially sold because it does not lose its activity for long periods.

Patch testing with hydrocortisone-17-butyrate (H-17-B) is a reliable screening method for the detection of topical glucocorticosteroid allergy. Patch testing is usually performed with corticosteroid preparations in a petrolatum base, which in our hands frequently show false-negative test results. The purpose of the present study was to further define the vehicle effect on H-17-B patch and use test reactions. Patch testing was performed with H-17-B in ethanol and in white petrolatum in nine patients with previously known contact hypersensitivity to topical corticosteroids. H-17-B was used at 1.0%, 0.1% and 0.01% concentrations. Additionally, a commercial H-17-B ointment preparation was tested. Positive patch test reactions were seen most consistently with 1.0% and 0.1% H-17-B in ethanol; 0.01% H-17-B in ethanol gave positive test reactions at a rate and intensity similar to those seen with both 1.0% and 0.1% H-17-B in petrolatum, and with the commercial Locoid ointment. Use tests were positive in four of nine patients; the ethanol preparation was superior to the commercial ointment. The present results suggest that patch testing with 1.0% or 0.1% H-17-B is the optimal method for screening of topical corticosteroid allergy.

L-Leucine 2-naphthylamide (Leu-NA) hydrolytic activity is increased 20-fold in eccrine sweat collected by simple scraping (SS) compared with sweat collected over the white petrolatum (Vaseline) barrier (clean sweat, CS) [Am. J. Physiol. 250 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 19): R691-R698, 1986]. Sephadex G-200 chromatography of SS but not that of CS showed a single peak of Leu-NA hydrolytic activity (at pH 8) at 350,000 mol wt. An enzyme with similar molecular weight was eluted from tape-stripped stratum corneum and from stripped skin in situ. Anion-exchange FPLC of the 350,000 fractions yielded a single Leu-NA hydrolase peak at pH 8 (pool IV), which also showed hydrolytic activity for benzoyl-L-arginine-2-naphthylamide (BANA). Both Leu-NA and BANA hydrolytic activities of pool IV were thiol dependent, inhibited by heavy metals, and activated by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The pool IV enzyme also hydrolyzed L-lysine- and L-arginine-2-naphthylamide. The most prominent BANA hydrolase activity was seen in both SS and CS at pH 5.0 at 33,000, which was not associated with Leu-NA hydrolytic activity. Diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography of the 33,000 fractions yielded three peaks of BANA hydrolytic activity in SS but only one in CS, suggesting that this thiol-dependent BANA hydrolyzing enzyme in CS may be of sweat gland origin. We conclude that the 350,000 thiol-dependent Leu-NA-hydrolyzing aminopeptidase is one of the most prominent epidermal contaminants and thus is a useful marker of epidermal contamination in sweat samples.

Summary The erythema action spectra between 280 nm and 400 nm for Balnetar® bath, Spiritus carbonis detergens bath and 5% crude coal tar in white petrolatum were determined in normal skin with a monochromator. Crude coal tar gave the strongest late erythema phototoxicity and presented the widest wavelength range, from 330 to 400 nm. The late erythema phototoxicity of Spiritus carbonis detergens was somewhat weaker and ranged from 350 to 380 nm. Balnetar did not induce any late erythema phototoxicity. With all three preparations the late phototoxic erythema developed 2–3 h earlier on the tar-treated sites than on the control areas. Based on the coal-tar photo-toxic effects, the concept‘phototoxicity is analysed.

Epidermal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides were measured in subcorneal and basal epidermal layers in patients with psoriasis and in healthy controls during a 2-week period in which they were treated once a day with 0.15% dithranol in white petrolatum. Lowry's microtechniques utilizing enzymatic cycling were used. In the controls the total NAD contents decreased 25% during the treatment period. The total NADP content did not change, nor did the proportions of NADH and NADPH. In the psoriatic patients effects of the treatment were seen only in the epidermis of the lesions. Both the total NAD and NADP displayed an initial increase on the second day, followed by a steady decrease to the levels found in the non-involved skin. During the first week of treatment parakeratosis was still evident in the lesions. In spite of variation in the total NAD contents during this period, a significant reduction of the percentage of NADH was found. Concomitant with the appearance of an orthokeratotic horny layer, both NAD+ and NADH returned to normal. The percentage contribution of NADPH did not change during these events.

Mercury ointments in various forms have long been a standby for the dermatologist. First, metallic mercury ointments were employed, and in recent times the ammoniated mercury ointment has enjoyed tremendous vogue. In the last few years, calomel ointment has been used in the so-called clean inunction method in the treatment of syphilis. Calomel ointment, first prepared in France during the last century, contained 10 per cent of calomel in petrolatum. The British used 20 per cent of calomel in lard. A 30 per cent ointment with white petrolatum was introduced into the National Formulary V (1926) under the name of Ointment of Mild Mercurous Chloride. In N. F. VI (1936) the base was changed to equal parts of white petrolatum and hydrous wool fat. Dr. Lewis C. Britt,1chemist of the Oregon State Board of Pharmacy, first pointed out that the N. F. VI ointment gave a narrower inhibitory

This report describes the influence of the vehicle base of an applied topical steroid on the therapeutic efficacy of the medication. Fluocinolone acetonide in a 0.025% concentration was the steroid used. This was applied in a cream (a water-washable aqueous base of stearic acid, propylene glycol, sorbitan monostearate and mono-oleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate with methyl and propylparaben as preservatives) * and an ointment (white petrolatum)† vehicle. Fluocinolone acetonide has been shown to be therapeutically effective when utilized topically in the treatment of psoriasis and eczematous dermatoses. 1-5 Eighteen patients with psoriasis and 32 patients with atopic, contact, seborrheic, hypostatic, or nummular dermatitis were included in the study. The cream and ointment preparations were applied in two ways: simultaneous paired comparison, and alternating consecutive weekly trial usage. Each trial comparison was judged at weekly intervals. In instances where Saran wrap was used, the cream and ointment applications were exactly matched. Where indicated

The role of fats and oils in pharmaceuticals continues to change. One measure of this change is given by an examination of various national compendia which highlight changes within our own country over the years. These changes are compared with those taking place elsewhere. Attention is also given to the categories of pharmaceutical products utilizing fats and oils.

Neomycin is a water‐soluble polybasic antibiotic relatively stable in solution over a range of pH 2.0 to 9.0. It is most active in alkaline solution and is active against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, but is inactive against fungi. In ointment bases, i. e., white petrolatum, polyethylene glycol, anhydrous lanolin, and Jelenes, neomycin was found to be stable for periods approximating two years at room temperature. Neomycin oil suspensions were found to be stable for periods of approximately one year at room temperature. Neomycin tablets and troches containing the usual excipients were stable for periods of two years at room temperature and at 56°. Aqueous nasal preparations, mouth washes, and tinctures were found to be stable for one year at room temperature.

The rate of diffusion of chloramphenicol and tetracycline-HCl from white petrolatum was found to increase in the presence of either wool waxes or wool wax derivatives; the effect being more pronounced in conjunction with the latter group. For both antibiotics, the releasing properties were found to keep increasing with increasing wax (local Merino) concentration; however, for each antibiotic the increase follows a special pattern. The rate of liberation of the antibiotics the increase follows a special pattern. The rate of liberation of the antibiotics could not be correlated to any investigated individual physico-chemical property of the waxes or wax derivatives. Der Einflus von Wollwachsen und Wollwachsderivaten auf die Freisetzung einiger Antibiotika aus einer Kohlenwasserstoffgrundlage Sowohl Wollwachse unterschiedlicher Herkunft als auch Wollwachsderivate uben einen positiven Einflus auf die Freigabe von Chloramphenicol und Tetrazyklin-HCl aus Vaseline auf; die Beeinflussung ist starker ausgepragt bie den Wollwachsderivaten. Die Freigabe-Rate beider Antibiotika steigt mit steigender Wollwachs-Konzentration. Es besteht kein Zusammenhang zwischen der Freigabe der Antibiotika und den verschiedenen physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften der Wollwachse bzw. Wollwachsderivate.

Before sulfathiazole (2-[paraaminobenzenesulfonamido]-thiazole) or sulfanilamide is added to an ointment base, the powder should be sifted and a paste made with an equal amount of boiling water. BASE 1 To 4 parts of sodium alginate add 75 parts of boiling water ; emulsify and strain, and then stir until cool. Add 16 parts of anhydrous wool fat, 78 parts of white petrolatum and 1 part of sodium chloride dissolved in 4 parts of water. Use a water bath to melt the first four ingredients and then add water, stirring constantly. Heat the first three items to 140 F. Add them to the water at the same temperature, stirring constantly. Base 1 is not irritating and is best for ophthalmic use, although the others may be used.

In previous reports we have described a simple method for determining the activity and observing the behavior of certain enzymes (mainly nonspecific esterases) on the skin surface (6-8). For this purpose the azo-dye coupling reaction of Nachlas and Seligman, as modified by Gomori (1), was performed in a glass chamber placed directly on the skin surface (Figure 1). The incubation medium consisted of 50 mg diazoblue B and 50 mg 1-naphthylacetate dissolved in a few drops of acetone and diluted in 50 ce Sorensen phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. In these studies each glass chamber contained 2 cc of this solution. When esterases are present, the 1-naphthylacetate is hydrolyzed to 1-naphthol and acetic acid. The naphthol couples with the diazo blue and a clearly visible azodye is formed, which then stains the surface of the skin. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine quantitatively the amount of 1-naphthol or acetic acid formed and how much of the azodye is developed (9). Our previous studies have shown that the intensity of skin color is proportional to the activity of non-specific esterases on the skin surface. It was also found that covering the surface of the skin with white petrolatum prior to incubation, blocks the reaction completely (5).

To the Editor.— Frankel 1 has concluded that the use of white petrolatum as a massage lubricant in a patient with resolving Bell's palsy was the cause of an asymmetrical acne vulgaris. We would suggest that the increased sebum excretion subsequent to Bell's palsy 2,3 is a more important etiological factor in the causation of the patient's acne. It has also been noted that paraplegics develop acne within 14 days of their neurologic lesion 4 and have highly significant increased sebum excretion rates below their neurologic lesion compared with normal controls. Two case reports would lend further support to the hypothesis that the nerve paresis in Bell's palsy (allowing an increased sebum excretion rate) rather than local application of petrolatum is the most important factor in the development of unilateral acne. Nexmand 5 noted the presence of comedones and seborrhea limited to the paretic side in a boy with facial

• Using a new protocol with varied exposure increments, we found that, in 18 of 20 patients with psoriasis vulgaris who were given ultraviolet (UV)-B phototherapy three times a week, the disease completely cleared. One patient's condition substantially improved, and one patient's condition failed to respond. Ten to 38 treatments were required during a three- to 13-week period. The only topical treatment agent used was white petrolatum. The results are compared with a schedule using five treatments a week and fixed UV-B-exposure increments. Infrequent (three times weekly) treatments, avoidance of hospitalization and crude coal tar treatment, and fewer episodes of UV-radiation burn may offer advantages for selected patients. Long-term effects and maintenance requirements for this treatment regimen are not known. ( Arch Dermatol 1981;117:623-626)

To the Editor.— White petrolatum (Vaseline)-induced unilateral acne developed in a young woman attempting to relieve the effects of Bell's palsy by massaging her face nightly. Report of a Case.— A 21-year-old presented with comedones and papulopustular acne sharply limited to her right face at the midline. The patient developed right Bell's palsy in October 1983, which cleared by the end of December, 1983. Her neurologist indicated that she should massage her right cheek and she did this by rubbing petrolatum into the right cheek for about 15 minutes each evening. As the Bell's palsy cleared, the patient began noticing blackheads on her right cheek, then pimples and pustules. Prior to developing Bell's palsy, the patient had occasional, mild acne in symmetrical distribution for which she had used Sebanil. At times, the patient found Sebanil drying and would then apply vitamin E ointment and/or petrolatum sparingly. She denied any other

The recent widespread use of sulfathiazole ointment has revealed cases of sulfathiazole sensitivity. 1 My aim in this paper is to call attention to the degree of sensitivity to sulfathiazole ointment existing among the general population. The majority of the cases were of a minor surgical nature rather than dermatologic and might therefore show a different amount of sensitivity (probably less) than would a large group of dermatoses. MATERIAL Two hundred and eighteen patients were treated topically with 5 per cent sulfathiazole ointment during the period from Jan. 1, 1943 to July 1, 1943. The ointment consisted of anhydrous wool fat 30 per cent, water 25 per cent, white petrolatum 40 per cent and sodium sulfathiazole 5 per cent. No information was found in the literature as to the incidence of sensitivity resulting from hydrous wool fat or petrolatum except that the sulfur dioxide, used to bleach yellow petrolatum white

Boric acid ointment has been used for many years as an antiseptic and bland preparation for the treatment of burns. The favorable results obtained in treatment of the victims of the Cocoanut Grove disaster when boric acid ointment or white petrolatum was used under pressure dressings resulted in an official recommendation of this type of therapy by the Subcommittee on Burns of the National Research Council.1On the basis of these findings a circular letter was sent by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery to all medical officers in which this form of treatment was summarized. At that time Cope2suggested that "too rapid absorption of boric acid might result in poisoning." Analyses of the urine of 20 of his patients showed that a maximum of 2.0 Gm. of boric acid might be excreted in the first twenty-four hours by patients with extensive burns. Later when saturated boric

Using the method of simultaneous and symmetrical paired comparison, the following topical medicaments were used under thin pliable plastic film in the management of selected dermatoses: triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in white petrolatum, hydrocortisone 1% in white petrolatum, 5% liquor carbonis detergens in white petrolatum, and white petrolatum alone. One-tenth per cent triamcinolone acetonide ointment was more effective than 1% hydrocortisone ointment; 1 % hydrocortisone ointment was more effective than 5% liquor carbonis detergens ointment, and 5% liquor carbonis detergens ointment was more effective than white petrolatum alone when used under thin pliable plastic film. A separate and smaller group of patients was treated with triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in white petrolatum, with plastic film on one extremity and without plastic film on symmetrically situated sites. This was done similarly with hydrocortisone 1% in white petrolatum. The corticosteroid ointments used with the plastic film were more efficacious than without the plastic film in six patients with psoriasis. Response to therapy with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in white petrolatum under plastic film was particularly gratifying. Our continued experience, together with that of others, is a certain indication that the combination of selected corticosteroid preparations under thin pliable plastic film dressings represents a definite step forward in the management of psoriasis and several other dermatoses.

To the Editor: —Please revise Dr. Hemmeter's formula for bismuth subgallate ointment given in his communication on the treatment of rhus poisoning. To a careful reader the transposition of quantities is evident, but many will use the formula as printed. Comment. —The subject of ivy poisoning is commented on editorially in this issue. In regard to Dr. Hemmeter's formula, Dr. Johnson is correct. We therefore repeat the formula with corrected quantities: Bismuth subgallate 3i Solution epinephrin (adrenalin chlorid) 1-1000... 100m. Lanolin 3v White petrolatum q. s ad 3i