Laboratory Research
Exposure to moisture for extended periods can damage skin. Because of its higher coefficient of friction (CoF), macerated skin may be more prone to shear and friction injury. Barrier creams have been used to protect skin from the deleterious effect of prolonged moisture on skin. The present study was undertaken to assess properties of 8 different skin protectant creams with respect to wash off resistance, friction associated with use and their effect on adhesive adhesion.
Methods:
The potential for product wash off was tested via 2 methods. For the first method, 0.4g of each product was smoothed onto porcine skin and then submerged in water. After 24h, the supernatant optical density was measured at 425nm. A second method placed 0.2g of product onto a 2 in2 water-resistant board. Wipers with a 1% dye solution were placed on top of the product for 5 min and the area of board where dye penetrated was calculated. Kinetic CoF were measured by coating a platen with product and after drying then sliding the platen across a cotton material (simulating bedding and clothing). Adhesion was measured by applying product to steel prior to fixing a surgical tape. The force required to remove the surgical tape from a steel platen was then measured.
Results:
Kinetic CoF was significantly lower for the unique polymer formulation (polymer). Dye penetration was the least for polymer, 99.9% of the board remained undyed under the product. Wash off from skin was significantly less (p< 0.05) for polymer than 6 of the creams and equivalent to zinc oxide (ZO) cream. ZO cream underperformed in CoF and Adhesion. Adhesion was less impacted by NPC cream. The polymer formulation was second best.
Discussion:
The barrier with the unique polymer formulation performed best in terms of dye penetration and kinetic CoF. It better than 6 of 7 products tested for wash off and adhesion. Excessive moisture on skin can quickly lead to dermatitis. The polymeric formulation tested herein is resistant to wash off and penetration and doesn’t increase CoF. It may be a good option for protecting skin from moisture.