Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Elsner

Publications and source records attributed to P Elsner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Occupational hand dermatitis in food industry apprentices: results of a 3-year follow-up cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective follow-up study was to quantify the impact of hand dermatitis (HD) in bakers, confectioners and bakery shop assistants, and to investigate related risk factors. METHOD: Bakers', confectioners' and bakery-shop assistants were included in a prospective follow-up study in the region of East Thuringia starting in August 1996. At the beginning of their vocational training 91 apprentices were interviewed and examined in a standardised way. Follow-up examinations and interviews were done after 6 months (n = 79), 12 months (n = 63) and at the end of the training (n = 69) after 36 months. RESULTS: In their case histories 3.3% (n = 3) of the apprentices reported previous HD in childhood and adolescence. The first assessment after 2 to 4 weeks of vocational training revealed HD in 17.5% (n = 16) of the individuals. At the follow-up examination after 6 months, point prevalence of HD was 29.1% (n = 23), after 12 months 27.0% (n = 17) and after 36 months 27.5% (n = 19). Mild to moderate irritant contact dermatitis was the most frequent finding. Finally, an atopic skin diathesis (> 10 points, "atopy score") (OR = 4.89; CI 95% 1.15-20.79), previous HD (OR = 41.1; CI 95% 4.99-339.13) as well as flexural dermatitis (OR = 6.8; CI 95% 1.72-27.22) proved to be predictive factors for the development of HD. No association was found to respiratory atopy (OR = 1.29; CI 95% 0.35-4.7) and metal sensitisation (OR = 1.1; CI 95% 0.29-4.35). Exogenous irritant factors did not show a strong association towards a risk increase. Wet work in general, as well as distinct occupational tasks showed only a tendency for being a risk factor for HD. However, leisure time activities, especially house building and rebuilding (OR = 5.4; CI 95% 1.05-27.81), were associated with an elevated risk. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to the development of HD in bakers' and confectioners' apprentices.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II).

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of responses to selected fragrance materials in patients who were fragrance sensitive. 178 patients were evaluated in 8 centers worldwide with a fragrance mix (FM) and 20 other fragrance materials. Reaction to the fragrance mixture (FM) occurred in 78.7% of the subjects. Substances reacting at a rate of 2% or higher included jasmine absolute, geranium oil bourbon, l-citronellol, spearmint oil, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyran, omega-6-hexadecenlactone, dimethyltetrahydrobenzaldehyde (isomer mixture), and alpha-amylcinnamaldehyde. These chemicals should be furthur evaluated to corroborate their allergenicity. We are constantly looking for new fragrance allergens to extend the diagnostic capability of the fragrance mix (FM).

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

Cement burns: a review 1960-2000.

We review the literature on cement burns of the skin published during the last 4 decades. 51 case reports were analyzed with special regard to common modes of injury, localization of cement exposure, preventive measures taken and treatment. Cement burns are injuries concerning professionals at the workplace as well as amateurs during do-it-yourself work. In 49% of the cases, no attempt to protect the skin had been made. The majority of injuries were located on the lower legs and knees. Full-thickness burns were reported in 66% of cases. Surgery had to be performed in 34%. Cement burns can be avoided by adequate skin protection. Although acute cement injuries may seem rare, prospective studies should be carried out for correct estimation of prevalence. The need for information on the harmful properties of cement in the occupational as well as the domestic environment is emphasized.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The prevention of occupational hand dermatitis in bakers, confectioners and employees in the catering trades. Preliminary results of a skin prevention program.

Occupational skin diseases (OSD) are among the most frequent occupational diseases (OD). Compared to other occupations, bakers, confectioners and employees in the catering trades are at a high risk of developing OSD. In January 1999, the interdisciplinary Skin Disease Prevention Program in the Baking, Hotel and Catering Industries (SDPP) conducted by the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, in cooperation with the Research Center for Applied System Safety and Industrial Medicine, Erfurt, and the technical experts at the Social Insurance for the Food Industry and Related Professions (Berufsgenossenschaft für Nahrungsmittel und Gaststätten--(BGN)), Erfurt, was initiated. Following detailed analysis of the occupational exposure of the employees and their personal occupational disease history, the patients' diagnosis and therapy was re-evaluated and supplemented if necessary. Individual skin care and protection regimes were demonstrated and practically trained. Skin care and protection products were supplied. Skin-care and protection seminars were offered to volunteering participants. From January to December 1999, 29 affected employees were examined in the OSD clinic. 22 employees (76%) suffered from irritant contact dermatitis. The follow-up data of 11 employees are available. In 8 employees (73%), the skin disease improved or disappeared. Moreover, in 1 employee (9%), the skin condition was stabilized even though he continued working. In only 2 employees (18%) did the skin condition worsen. These preliminary results showed that most of the OSD were due to lack of or unsuitable skin care and protection. The program will be extended to cover a larger number of food industry employees with OSD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Melatonin reduces UV-induced reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner in IL-3-stimulated leukocytes.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are presumed to be involved in inflammatory UV reactions of the skin. This in vitro study was performed to investigate the suppressive effect of melatonin in interleukin-3 (IL-3) stimulated leukocytes. Neutrophilic granulocytes were isolated from EDTA-treated whole blood and placed in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing IL-3. Cell suspensions were either treated with PBS (control) or with increasing doses of melatonin (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 10 mmol). One PBS solution was left unirradiated and the other nine solutions (PBS and melatonin) were irradiated with 750 mJ/cm2 UVB light (280-360 nm, max: 310 nm). Radical formation was measured by the chemiluminescence technique. UV-irradiated leukocytes showed a 5-fold higher radical formation than unirradiated leukocytes. Melatonin, in increasing doses in powers of ten, led to a maximum suppression of free radicals at 10 nmol (P= 0.01) and 1 mmol melatonin (P= 0.001), showing a biphasic, non-linear, dose response relationship. Melatonin, given in amounts of 0.1-10 mmol, led to a direct dose-dependent suppression of ROS. Radical formation was suppressed significantly in a range from 0.5 to 10 mmol (P= 0.001). Melatonin is known to function as a radical scavenger and antioxidant; some of these melatonin effects may be receptor independent, while others may be receptor dependent.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMed2001

Strategies of coping and quality of life in women with alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of the quality of life (QoL) have recently become an integral part of dermatological studies. Our hypothesis is that QoL in patients with certain diseases can be affected by strategies of coping behaviour, as well as by personality traits. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the particular correlation between QoL and strategies of coping in female patients with alopecia. PATIENTS: Fifty female patients, diagnosed with either diffuse or androgenetic alopecia, were evaluated by the use of Hairdex, an instrument developed to measure QoL in patients with hair loss. Most patients also underwent additional psychological assessments. RESULTS: Findings indicated that patients with highly visible hair loss reported a more negative impact on four Hairdex dimensions (functioning, emotions, self-confidence and stigmatization) than patients whose hair loss was only slightly visible. However, a subgroup of patients, with non-visible symptoms of hair loss, showed striking signs of psychological disturbance. These disturbed patients displayed either dysmorphophobic or affective disorder tendencies. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies using QoL as an instrument in research on patients with alopecia should consider that in cases of female alopecia these measurements may be affected by psychological disturbances.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Vulvar pain. Psychological profiles and treatment responses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the psychological and quality of life profiles of women with different subsets of vulvodynia and identify differential response patterns to a combined gynecologic-dermatologic treatment program. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-three women with vulvar dermatoses, dysesthetic vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis were recruited from a combined dermatologic and gynecologic vulvar clinic and completed instruments related to quality of life (QoL) and psychologic symptomatology. A repeated measurement design was employed. However, only 33 women could be assessed at the second point of measurement. RESULTS: Women with different subsets of vulvodynia showed (1) distinct quality of life and psychological profiles, and (2) different response patterns to treatment. There were significant differences on most QoL scales, with patients with dysesthetic vulvodynia and with vulvar dermatoses showing greater impairment than patients with vestibulitis. However, patients with vestibulitis displayed a highly specific pattern of psychologic symptomatology. Patients with vulvar dermatoses had an improvement in problems related to intimacy than patients with vulvar pain syndromes. CONCLUSION: Treatment intervention studies seem to be indispensable in order to gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between different subsets of vulvodynia and psychological symptoms concurrently with differential treatment reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Mucocutaneous candidosis in a patient with Sjögren syndrome].

Oral candidiasis is common among patients with Sjögren's syndrome. For the first time we report on a 60-year-old female patient, who developed a non-familiar chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis of later life. She presented with the following symptoms: oral candidiasis and glossitis, angulus infectious, vulvovaginitis, lichen planus-like onychodystrophy of the finger-nails and chronic nail bed inflammation of the nails of the big toes. The knowledge of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is of prognostic and therapeutic relevance, since topical treatment often fails.

Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous↗
PubMed2000

[Not Available].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy of a barrier cream and its vehicle as protective measures against occupational irritant contact dermatitis.

The actual advantage of barrier creams over bland emollients for skin protection is still hotly debated. In a randomized, double-blinded study, a newly-introduced barrier cream and its moisturizing vehicle were compared regarding their skin compatibility, efficacy and resulting acceptance. Thus, 2 panels of 25 hospital nurses with mild signs of skin irritation were asked to use 1 of the test products provided (verum or vehicle) over a period of 4 weeks. Effects of both types of preparations were studied weekly by clinical examination and the instrumental assessment of bioengineering parameters. Results showed no significant differences between barrier cream and vehicle. In both groups, clinical skin status improved and stratum corneum hydration increased significantly during the study period. Both preparations were tolerated and accepted well, thus showing both skin protection and skin care. These results contribute to the debate as to whether a strict distinction between "skin care" and "skin protection" products is justified. The vehicle alone is capable of positively influencing skin status. Emphasis must be laid on regular, frequent, and correct application of a product for it to be effective.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Multicentre study for the development of an in vivo model to evaluate the influence of topical formulations on irritation.

Although skin protective products to prevent irritant skin reactions are in wide use, neither standardized test models to prove differences in efficacy exist, nor has the quality or the reproducibility of results been evaluated in a multicentre approach. This should be mandatory when developing or testing skin care products. Therefore, we have designed a multicentre study in an approach to find a standardized test procedure for the evaluation of skin protective products. In this irritation study, a repeated short-time occlusive irritation test (ROIT) with a standardized protocol has been evaluated in 2 phases (12 days and 5 days protocol) in 4 (n=20) respectively 6 (n=33) skilled centres. The skin reaction was induced by 2 irritants (0.5% aq. SLS and toluene, 2x a day for 30 min). Its modification by 3 different cream bases with different hydrophilicity was analyzed. The irritation was monitored by bioengineering methods (TEWL measurement, colorimetry) and by clinical scoring. The evaluation showed that significant results could already be achieved with the 5-day protocol. Furthermore, in spite of the expected inter-centre variations due to heterogeneity of the individual threshold of irritation, interpretation of clinical score, and inter-instrumental variability, the ranking of the vehicles regarding reduction of the irritant reaction was consistent in all centres.

Administration, Topical↗