Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “OINTMENTS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Systemic effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ointment containing protease inhibitor or gelatin in rats with burns or open wounds.

The systemic effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ointment containing nafamostat (NM), gabexate, or gelatin was studied in rats with burns or open wounds. At 1 d after burn, plasma epinephrine, cortisol, and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) levels were elevated, but treatment with EGF plus NM (EGF+NM) ointment significantly suppressed the increase in these levels. Further, there was no loss of body weight in the open wound model following treatment with EGF+NM ointment, while loss of body weight occurred in animals in which EGF ointments without NM were applied. Increases in plasma epinephrine 1 d after open wound formation were also suppressed by the application of EGF+NM ointment. Treatment with EGF ointment containing gabexate (GX) or gelatin (GL) ameliorated changes in body weight that occurred after open wound formation, while loss of body weight in animals with open wounds occurred following the application of ointment base, EGF ointment, GX ointment, or GL ointment. The present study thus indicates that the topical application of EGF ointment containing a protease inhibitor has ameliorative systemic effects.

Animals↗

[Acceleration of burn wound healing with topical application of recombinant human epidermal growth factor ointments].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on burn wound healing and to explore the effective density of the ointments. METHODS: A total of 120 cases of burn in superficial II degree and profound II degree were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the first group of 15 cases of superficial II degree, the wounds were treated by rhEGF ointments of different density, 0.5 microgram/g, 10 micrograms/g and 50 micrograms/g, to screen out the effective density. And in the other 105 cases of the second group, optimal density of the ointments based on the result of the first group were employed to treat the burn wound in superficial II degree and profound II degree, with the self-corresponding wounds of the same degree as control, to study the efficiency of rhEGF on wound healing, according to the wound healing time, and adverse reaction of the ointment. RESULTS: In the first group, the average healing time of superficial II wound treated by ointments of 10 micrograms/g and 50 micrograms/g significantly shortened when compared with that treated by ointments of 0.5 microgram/g(P < 0.01), but there was no obvious difference between the cases treated by ointments of 10 micrograms/g and 50 micrograms/g. In the second group, the healing time of superficial II wound treated by ointments of 10 micrograms/g was (8.39 +/- 2.25) days, (9.52 +/- 2.56) days in the control (P < 0.01); and healing time of profound II burn treated by ointments of 10 micrograms/g was (16.80 +/- 2.99) days, (18.27 +/- 3.17) days in the control (P < 0.01). And healing rates of burn wound at different periods were higher than those of the control. CONCLUSION: The above results indicate that rhEGF ointments can enhance burn wound healing significantly, and the ointment of 10 micrograms/g is a good choice for clinical application.

Administration, Topical↗

The "bubble point" for validation of drug release or simulated absorption tests for ointments.

The aim of the present study was to design a test to ascertain the behaviour and reliability of a membrane used in drug release and simulated absorption tests in order to arrive at useful indications for simulating topical as well as gastro-intestinal absorption. The membrane can be used in two different conditions: a) as a simple porous membrane placed between the ointment and an accepting liquid phase, generally water phase; b) as a membrane soaked in a lipophilic liquid phase to simulate the horny layer between the ointment and accepting water phase. In this study the "bubble point test" was used to test the integrity of the soaking film as well as the membrane, during and after drug release and simulated absorption tests with different types of ointment. In the case of a drug release test from an ointment, the bubble point test may determine the test conditions, that is the ointment applied to either a dry or hydrated membrane. Only the use of a previously hydrated membrane can guarantee constant conditions in the in vitro model. Use of a dry membrane may lead to infiltration of liquid components of the ointment base, thus altering the contact conditions between the two phases of the cutaneous compartment model (lipogel and W/O creams). The use of a hydrated membrane may also lead to interactions between the two phases of the compartment, with osmotic exchanges between the acceptor phase and ointment sample (hydrogel, PEG gel, O/W creams). The hydrated membrane is therefore reliable only for comparison between lipophilic base ointments. In a simulated absorption test, determination of the bubble point makes it possible to ascertain the physical integrity of the lipoid liquid film immobilized by capillary action in the inner microporous structure of the membrane during the test. This condition is essential to maintain a balance between the parameters regulating the diffusion process between the different compartments of the system. The use of a lipoid-soaked membrane makes it possible to avoid interactions between the ointment sample and an aqueous acceptor phase, such as hydrosoluble bases. Since the diffusion across a lipoid film immobilised within a porous membrane depends on the drug release rate from the ointment base, the test allows a contextual evaluation of the release kinetics as well as an indication of the drug absorption possibilities through an in vitro model of the cutaneous compartment.

Algorithms↗

Effects of topical ethacrynic acid ointment vs timolol on intraocular pressure in glaucomatous monkey eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effects of ethacrynic acid (ECA) ointment, compared with timolol maleate on intraocular pressure (IOP) in cynomolgus monkey eyes with argon laser-induced glaucoma. METHODS: In a 5-day study, IOP was measured for 7 hours after once-daily topical applications of ECA ointment to four glaucomatous monkey eyes. For this study, ECA ointment was given in 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, or 2.5% concentrations. In a separate 30-day study, IOP was measured after once-daily topical applications of ECA ointment in concentrations of 0.75% or 1.5%. The results were compared with IOP after the application of 0.5% timolol maleate administered twice daily on weekdays and once daily on weekends. RESULTS: In the 5-day study, 2.5% ECA ointment had the greatest effect on lowering IOP, with a maximum reduction of 8.5 +/- 2.9 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). A more pronounced reduction in IOP was observed on the fifth day of treatment for each of the four concentrations. In the 30-day study, 1.5% ECA ointment or 0.5% timolol maleate reduced IOP as much as 11.5 +/- 3.7 mmHg and 14.0 +/- 4.5 mmHg, respectively. With repetitive dosing, the effect on IOP after using 1.5% ECA ointment increased with time. Mild eyelid edema, conjunctival hyperemia, and discharge were observed in some eyes treated with the highest concentrations. One eye of four treated with 1.5% ECA ointment for 30 days developed a superficial corneal erosion in the 30-day study. CONCLUSIONS: The ECA ointment reduced IOP in glaucomatous monkey eyes. This reduction was evident by the fifth day of treatment with all the concentrations tested. The reduction in IOP produced by once-daily treatment with 1.5% ECA ointment was comparable with that of 0.5% timolol maleate administered twice daily. Therefore, drugs in this class of compound may prove to be useful in glaucoma therapy.

Administration, Topical↗

Emollient ointment for preventing infection in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: This section is under preparation and will be included in the next issue. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of prophylactic application of emollient ointment in preterm infants. SEARCH STRATEGY: Searches were made of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Medline (MeSH terms: ointment; limits: age groups, newborn infant; publication types, clinical trial), previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, conference and symposia proceedings, expert informants, and journal handsearching in the English language. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials which compared the effect of prophylactic application of emollient ointment to routine care or as needed topical therapy in preterm infants are included in this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data regarding clinical outcomes including transepidermal water loss, skin condition, fluid intake, suspect infection and proven nosocomial infection were excerpted from the reports of the clinical trials by the reviewers. Data analysis was done in accordance with the standards of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomized trials which compared prophylactic application of ointment to routine skin care or as needed topical ointment therapy were identified. Lane (1993) noted improved skin condition in infants receiving topical application of emollient ointment. In the study of Nopper and coworkers (1996), prophylactic application of ointment significantly decreased transepidermal water loss during the first six hours after initial application. Skin condition was noted to be improved during the first 1-2 weeks. Surveillance cultures demonstrated less bacterial colonization during the two week study. A significant decrease in suspect and proven infection was noted. Fewer infants were evaluated for sepsis among the group who received prophylactic application of ointment (relative risk 0. 50, 95% CI 0.27, 0.93; risk difference -0.30, 95% CI -0.54, -0.06). Both studies reported on the incidence of proven nosocomial infection. A trend towards a decrease in the risk of proven nosocomial infection was noted in infants who received prophylactic application of emollient ointment (typical relative risk 0.29, 95% CI 0.07, 1.16, typical risk difference -0.13, 95% CI -0.25, -0.01). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: In two small studies, prophylactic application of emollient ointment decreased transepidermal water loss, decreased the severity of dermatitis, and decreased the risk of suspect sepsis and proven sepsis. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these results.

Cross Infection↗

Decrease in rat internal anal pressure with the use of a topical ointment containing a killed E. coli culture suspension.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to clarify the mechanisms of a topical ointment containing an Escherichia coli culture suspension and hydrocortisone (Posterisan forte, BCS+HC) in lowering internal anal pressure in conscious rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Internal anal pressure was measured using a water-filled balloon system for consecutive 10-min periods. The changes in pressure were evaluated by the number of peaks above 20 mmH2O between 1 and 8 min of recording. RESULTS: Topical intra-anal application of BCS+HC ointment (160 mg/kg) significantly decreased the internal anal pressure at 3 h after the application. Thereafter, this effect reached a maximum decrease at 4 h and lasted until 6 h. BCS+HC ointment (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg) lowered the internal anal pressure at 4-5 h in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum decrease ratios of the ointment and corresponding hydrocortisone-free ointment (Posterisan, BCS) were 32.6+/-12.7 and 25.7+/-9.0%, respectively, revealing significant pressure-lowering effects compared with a placebo (P<0.05). In contrast, the same ointment containing hydrocortisone alone and other ointments containing steroids or local anesthetics had no effects. DISCUSSION: Treatment with 1 mg/kg NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester HCl (L-NAME), a non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, significantly suppressed the effect of BCS+HC ointment (160 mg/kg) in lowering the internal anal pressure. Furthermore, BCS+HC ointment (160 mg/kg) significantly lowered capsaicin-induced high internal anal pressure compared to a placebo. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that BCS+HC and BCS ointments containing an E. coli culture suspension significantly lowered the internal anal pressure due to endogenous nitric oxide production in conscious rats.

Administration, Topical↗

Gastro-intestinal absorption and in vitro release of boric acid from water-emulsifying ointments.

Boric acid taken orally by six male volunteers in a cross-over study was absorbed to equal extents from a water solution and a 3% waterless, water-emulsifying ointment, though with a slight initial delay in the latter case. Virtually complete gastro-intestinal absorption and renal excretion were indicated by the 96-hr urinary recovery, amounting to 89.1-98.3% (mean 93.9%) and 89.2-97.5% (mean 92.4%) of the dose ingested as solution and ointment, respectively, normal daily boron excretion having been taken into account. The in vitro release of boric acid, measured for 24 hr by dialysis in water at 37 degrees C, reached 95% from a purely water-based jelly but only about 5% from the water-emulsifying ointment. The low boric acid release from the ointment was not significantly influenced when the ointment was dialysed against buffer solutions of pH 2.5 and 9.6 instead of water, or when the maximum possible amount of water (26.9% w/w) was incorporated into the ointment before dialysis. The 24-hr boric acid release from a number of other oil-based ointments, either hydrophobic or water-emulsifying and containing 1-3% boric acid and 0-28.5% water, was also low (0.9-18.3% of the boric acid content). This indicates that the formulation of the ointment is an important factor in determining the extent of release of boric acid when the ointment is applied externally, but that it does not alter the absorption of boric acid should the ointment be ingested.

Administration, Oral↗

Tacrolimus ointment improves psoriasis in a microplaque assay.

Tacrolimus (FK506) is an effective and well tolerated immunosuppressant used to prevent allograft rejection. We describe the evaluation of two tacrolimus ointment formulations for treatment of chronic plaque-type psoriasis. This was a microplaque assay with randomized, double-blind design. Sixteen patients (15 men, one woman, all white and 28-69 years old) with chronic plaque-type psoriasis participated. Six different ointments were applied to discrete microplaques, 17 mm in diameter, on a descaled psoriasis lesion: these were tacrolimus ointment with diisopropyl adipate as penetration enhancer, tacrolimus ointment without diisopropyl adipate, 0.1% betamethasone 17alpha-valerate ointment, 0.005% calcipotriol ointment and, as controls, the ointment bases for tacrolimus and betamethasone. Ointments were reapplied and the area was sealed every 2-3 days during the 14-day treatment period. After 7 and 14 days, erythema and infiltration were graded on a scale of 0-4, and superficial blood flow was measured with a laser Doppler flowmeter. Epidermal thickness was measured histologically at the end of treatment. Compared with the vehicle controls, sites treated with tacrolimus ointment (with or without penetration enhancer) showed a significant reduction in erythema and infiltration (P < 0. 001), a significant reduction in superficial blood flow (P < 0.01) and a significant decrease in epidermal thickness (P < or = 0.001). Results for betamethasone and calcipotriol, when compared with the vehicle controls, were similar. These results suggest that, under conditions of descaling and occlusion, tacrolimus ointment is effective in the treatment of psoriasis.

Administration, Topical↗

Influence of ophthalmic ointments on the penetration of pilocarpine drops.

To evaluate the influence of prior administered ointments upon the intraocular penetration of drops, we applied either a combination antibiotic ointment, a combination antibiotic-steroid ointment, or a lubricant ointment at different time periods before instillation of 2% pilocarpine drops into rabbit eyes. The level of pilocarpine measured in aqueous humor at one hour was compared to the level achieved in eyes without ointment application. No change was found in pilocarpine levels following application of the lubricant ointment. Pilocarpine concentrations were significantly lower (38%-48%) in animals receiving the antibiotic ointment at 5 or 15 minutes before pilocarpine drops. Pilocarpine levels also were decreased significantly when the steroid-antibiotic ointment was applied 15, 30 or 60 minutes before the drops. To verify these effects at other time periods, ointments were applied 15 minutes before pilocarpine drops and aqueous humor samples aspirated at 30 minutes or two hours. A 22% decrease in aqueous humor pilocarpine was found at 30 minutes with both the antibiotic and steroid-antibiotic combination; no effect was observed at two hours. To determine the influence of each drug component within the ointment on the penetration of pilocarpine, solutions of dexamethasone, neomycin, bacitracin and polymyxin B were mixed individually with pilocarpine drops and applied into the animal eyes. Bacitracin and polymyxin B significantly reduced one-hour pilocarpine levels in aqueous humor; however, no significant effect was observed with either neomycin or dexamethasone.

Animals↗

A method to measure the solubility of drugs in ointment bases.

The solubility of a drug in an ointment base is an important factor determining the efficacy of the formulation. However, it is difficult to measure the solubility of drugs in ointment bases. Thus, a rapid and simple method to determine the solubility of drugs in ointment bases was investigated. Using oxybenzone as a model drug, the bleeding liquid which leaked out from various ointments was collected, and the drug concentration in the bleeding liquid was measured. The drug concentrations in the bleeding liquid collected from soluble type ointments in which the drug is dissolved in bases were in accord with that in the ointments. On the other hand, the drug concentrations in the bleeding liquid collected from crystal dispersion type ointments in which drug crystal are dispersed in bases were the same in spite of the variance in total drug concentrations in the ointments. It was confirmed by microscopic examination that crystals do not flow out into bleeding liquid in the crystal dispersion type ointment. It was also confirmed that the solubility of the drug obtained in the present study was in a solubility range consistent with microscopic examination. Furthermore, an increase in the drug solubility was detected by this method when the drug solubility in the base was raised by adding a detergent into the base. And the results from this method were in accord with the results from microscopic examination. These results suggest that the drug concentration in bleeding liquid represents the solubility of the drug in an ointment.

Benzophenones↗

Formulation design of ointment base suitable for healing of lesions in treatment of bedsores.

We intended to develop a desired ointment base suitable for treatment of bedsores including the proliferation of granulation and epidermis. The main bedsore bacteria detected in our hospital were S. aureus in gram-positive coccus and P. aeruginosa in gram-negative bacillus. As the macrogol ointment (MO) was found to have bactericidal effects on these bacteria, MO was adopted as the base for the objective ointment. To improve the properties of the ointment base such as regulating the humidity of the exudation and controlling the release of antibiotics formulated in the ointment, co-formulating effects of various additives to MO were evaluated. The sustained release function of the ointment base was obtained by adding hydrophilic petrolatum (HP) to MO. However, the resultant ointment was found to have a poor humidity regulating property. On the other hand, MO containing 5% of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) showed both the humidity regulating and the controlled drug releasing properties. It was considered that HPC particles dispersed in the ointment could be swelled by absorbing water to form a gel network. The curd tension meter tests for the ointments prepared with the various polymers showed that the MO-HPC base, which showed the highest sustained drug releasing property, was found to have the highest hardness. This result means that HPC formulated into the base forms the most rigid gel structure to resist the erosion of the ointment and to control the drug release.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

A report of clinical trial conducted on Toto ointment and soap products.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of Toto ointment and soap on common skin disorders was tested. METHODOLOGY: A cohort of Nigerians with common skin conditions such as fungal and bacterial skin infections, scabies, acne vulgaris, and dandruff were selected and followed for a period of 12 weeks. The study is a randomized, comparative, prospective, blinded observational study. Following a placebo run in/wash out period, patients were given either a Toto ointment or soap, or a combination of these, or sulfur ointment alone. Soap use was preferred in patients with Tinea capitis more than patients with any other superficial skin condition for technical reasons--such as ease of application of the soap lather. Expressed preference for either the soap or the cream was at times taken into consideration. Cure rate, adverse drug effects and acceptability of the products were assessed. RESULTS: Out of the 595 patients with common skin diseases selected for the study, 446 (74.9%) had fungal infections, while 64 (10.8%) had scabies infestation. A total of 47 (7.9%) patients had bacterial skin infections, 36 (6.1%) had acne vulgaris, and two (0.3%) had dandruff. At the end of the treatment period, out of the 129 patients with fungal infections treated with Toto ointment alone, 92 (71.3)% were successfully treated; while 41 (87.2%) out of the 47 patients with scabies were successfully treated with Toto ointment alone. Although few patients were seen with bacterial skin infections during the study period, these patients responded well to the ointment, the soap or a combination of the two. Overall, the combination of Toto ointment and soap had a better clinical success rate on all diseases when compared to sulfur ointment alone. The study has shown the efficacy and tolerability of Toto products (skin ointment and soap) in the management of common skin disorders. CONCLUSION: Toto ointment and soap are particularly efficacious in the management of common skin conditions such as fungal and bacterial skin infections, scabies, acne vulgaris and dandruff.

Double-Blind Method↗

Modification of the physicochemical properties of minocycline hydrochloride ointment with cyclodextrines for optimum treatment of bedsore.

Modification to find the best physicochemical properties of minocycline hydrochloride ointment for optimum treatment of bedsore was investigated by coformulating various types of cyclodextrins (CyD) in the ointment base. It was found that the drug release rate from the ointment base was modified according to the preparation method of ointment base and the type of CyD admixed. The physicochemical properties, such as viscosity, elution volume, water absorption of ointment base were also modified by those factors. The mechanism of physicochemical modification with CyD was explained by the structural change of ointment base and the change of surface tension of emulsifying agent solution with the CyD. The stability of ointment was investigated by confirming the reproducibility of drug release rate after storage at ambient and cooled temperature conditions. In conclusion, a fused mixed ointment with beta-CyD was found to be preferable for treatment of bedsore, because of the improved drug release rate, lowered viscosity and increased elution volume of the resultant ointment.

Absorption↗

Randomized clinical trial of the effect of applying ointment to surgical wounds before occlusive dressing.

BACKGROUND: A blinded randomized clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of applying ointment to a wound before occlusive dressing, in comparison with no ointment or sterile paraffin. METHODS: Some 778 patients with 1801 surgical wounds following excision of skin lesions were enrolled in the trial. No ointment was placed on 510 sutured wounds of 247 patients, paraffin ointment was put on 729 wounds (269 patients) and mupirocin ointment on 562 wounds (262 patients). Wound infection, scar, haemorrhage, dehiscence and other complications were assessed at suture removal. At 6-9 months after surgery, patients were surveyed to assess the wounds, with a response rate of 74.0 per cent. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in outcome for all endpoints evaluated. The infection rate was 1.4 per cent with no ointment, 1.6 per cent for paraffin and 2.3 per cent for mupirocin (P = 0.490). Total complication rates were 3.5, 4.7 and 4.8 per cent for no ointment, paraffin and mupirocin respectively (P = 0.590). Some 10.9, 10.3 and 8.2 per cent of patients respectively had a neutral or negative perception of their wounds at 6-9 months after surgery (P = 0.650). There was no difference in postoperative pain, degree of inconvenience or overall level of satisfaction with treatment. CONCLUSION: Putting ointment on a surgical wound before occlusive dressing does not benefit the patient. In view of the risk of antibiotic resistance, mupirocin ointment is not indicated for clean surgical wounds.

Adult↗

Corneal concentrations and preliminary toxicological evaluation of an itraconazole/dimethyl sulphoxide ophthalmic ointment.

The objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of itraconazole achieved in corneal tissue and aqueous humour after topical application of a 1% itraconazole ointment: to determine the effect of including dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in the ointment on achievable ocular tissue itraconazole concentrations; and to assess if any gross or histopathologic ocular toxicity results from the topical application of 1% itraconazole with or without the addition of DMSO. The experimental trial consisted of 6 horses considered to have normal eyes. Each horse had one eye treated with 0.3 mL of 1% ultra-micronized itraconazole ointment and the fellow eye with 0.3 mL of 1% itraconazole/ 30% DMSO ointment. The ointment was applied every 6 h for a total of 28 treatments. Both ointments were well tolerated and no gross or histopathologic abnormalities developed during the trial. Corneal tissue and aqueous humour concentrations of itraconazole were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Corneal tissue concentration averaged 1.1 (+/- 0.4) micrograms/g in horses treated with the 1% ultramicronized itraconazole ointment and 7.9 (+/- 3.3) micrograms/g for those treated with the 1% itraconazole/30% DMSO ointment: there was a statistically significant difference between ointments (P = 0.005) No itraconazole could be detected in the aqueous humour in either treatment group.

Animals↗

The effect of a mucopolysaccharide-cartilage complex healing ointment on Er:YAG laser resurfaced facial skin.

BACKGROUND: There are several types of dressings which may be utilized after facial laser resurfacing. Laser surgeons favoring the open type of dressing have used the Aquaphor original formula to reduce the loss of moisture from laser resurfaced skin. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a mucopolysaccharide-cartilage complex (MCC) containing healing ointment with the standard therapy of Aquaphor ointment in treating erythema, edema, and skin erosion caused by Er:YAG laser resurfacing of facial skin. OBJECTIVE: To compare healing time after Er:YAG laser resurfacing treated side-by-side with MCC as compared with Aquaphor. METHODS: Nineteen patients completing Er:YAG laser resurfacing were randomly assigned to receive MCC healing ointment on one side of their face and standard therapy with Aquaphor on the other for eight consecutive treatment days. Immediately after surgery and again on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8, the severity of erythema, edema, and erosion was scored on a 0-3 scale (0 = no observable effect, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). Photographs were taken at each follow-up visit. Following scoring on study day 0, the day of resurfacing, treatment was applied according to the left or right assignment code of the randomization schedule. RESULTS: Mean severity ratings for all variables (erythema, edema, and erosion) were consistently lower for MCC healing ointment as compared to Aquaphor ointment. Based on the calculated overall efficacy index, MCC ointment was statistically superior to Aquaphor for all three variables: erythema, P <.001; edema, P =.017; erosion, P <.001. CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrate that MCC healing ointment may provide an advantage over the standard therapy of Aquaphor ointment in the treatment of edema, erosion, and erythema caused by laser resurfacing of facial skin. Mean daily severity scores were consistently lower and improvement tended to occur earlier with MCC healing ointment.

Adult↗

Topical application of cod liver oil ointment accelerates wound healing: an experimental study in wounds in the ears of hairless mice.

The effect of topical cod liver oil ointment on the rate of wound epithelialisation and neovascularisation was studied using the hairless mouse ear wound model (experiment I). The effect of local application of vitamin A in increasing concentrations was tested in the same model (experiment II). Experiment I: Bilateral standardised full thickness dermal wounds were created on the ears of 42 mice divided into three groups: group I: 25% cod liver oil ointment (n = 10) applied topically to one ear and vehicle (vaseline) to the other; group II: 25% cod liver oil ointment (n = 10) and saline; and group III: vehicle (n = 22) and saline. Experiment II: Using the same model and procedures wounds were made on 12 mice randomised to vitamin A treatment in various doses (250-3000 IU/g) on one ear and vehicle (vaseline) on the other ear. Using in-vivo microscopy and digitised planimetry, wound epithelialisation and neovascularisation were measured at regular intervals until the processes were complete. Wounds treated with 25% cod liver oil ointment epithelialized significantly (p < 0.05) faster (mean (SEM) 8.9 (0.7) days) than control ears treated with vehicle alone (13.9 (1.9) days). Neovascularisation developed significantly faster (p < 0.01) in the ears treated with cod liver oil ointment (22.5 (1.3) days) compared with their vehicle control (29.1 (0.6) days). Neovascularisation was also significantly (p < 0.05) faster in the ears treated with cod liver oil ointment (23.1 (1.4) days) than in those treated with saline (26.8 (1.1) days). There was no significant difference in speed of epithelialisation between cod liver oil ointment and saline. The vitamin A dose study showed that epithelialisation and neovascularisation of the vitamin A treated wounds pass at the same rate as wounds treated with cod liver oil ointment. In conclusion, topical 25% cod liver oil ointment significantly accelerated both the epithelial and the vascular component of healing compared with saline. Vitamin A seems to have an important role in accelerating wound healing and could be the active component in cod liver oil.

Animals↗

[Effects of tacrolimus ointment on type I (immediate and late) and IV (delayed) cutaneous allergic reactions in mice].

The effects of tacrolimus ointment on immediate, late and delayed-type cutaneous allergic reactions and normal skin thickness were investigated in mice and compared with those of steroid ointments. Tacrolimus ointment had no effect on ear edema in the immediate phase of the biphasic reaction and did not inhibit passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, but in the late phase of the biphasic reaction, it inhibited the ear edema. It also showed a clear inhibitory effect on the delayed-type reaction. These evidence suggest that the clinical effect of tacrolimus ointment against atopic dermatitis (AD) may be mainly due to its inhibitory action on late and delayed-type reactions. The steroid ointments inhibited all the reactions mentioned above, and the effects were more potent than those of tacrolimus. Moreover, they also decreased the normal ear thickness, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of the steroid ointments was partially due to skin atrophic action. The same ointments applied to the ears during the induction phase showed an enhancement of delayed-type reaction at the effector phase. Tacrolimus ointment did not show such a rebound effect or skin atrophy. Thus, tacrolimus ointment was expected to be more useful than the steroids for the treatment of AD.

Animals↗