Topical treatment for exposure

Exposure to hydroquinone may occur during its production, its use as an inhibitor, antioxidant and intermediate in the production of dyes, paints, motor fuels and oils, and in black-and-white photographic processing. Hydroquinone occurs naturally in certain plant species. It is used as a topical treatment for skin hyperpigmentation. 

Hexachlorophene can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin, and by ingestion. Exposure to hexachlorophene is usually dermal as a bactericide. It is sometimes used as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris to suppress associated staphylococci. 

Rapid transit through this region suggests that the area is empty of colonic contents most of the time, and so the opportunity for topical treatment is consequently limited. If the exposure to a drug such as mesalazine is calculated on the basis of these data, the results show that treatment is probably inadequate. For example, the dose per day is approximately 3 g (800-1200 mg, t.d.s.), and so in active disease the effective dose would be about 300 mg on the basis of this regimen. Doses of 500-1000 mg are often given as a enema, but these doses are more effectively delivered and not sequestered within a viscous, partially dehydrated stool, as would be the case following oral administration. 

BAL is the standard treatment for poisoning by arsenic compounds and will alleviate some effects from exposure to arsenic vesicants. It may also decrease the severity of skin and eye lesions if applied topically within minutes after decontamination is complete (i.e., within 2-5 minutes postexposure). Additional chelating agents for the treatment of systemic arsenic toxicity include meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercapto-l-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS). 

Following dermal exposure to chloropicrin, the exposed area must be washed thoroughly with soap and water. If dermatitis persists, topical treatment with wet dressings of Burow s solution 1 40, followed by corticosteroid creams or calamine lotion, may be given. Secondary infection may necessitate antibiotic therapy. Oral antihistamines may be useful for pruritis. 

Tinea pedis is the most common dermatophytoses (affecting approximately 70% of adults). It is better known as athletes foot and occurs in hot weather, with exposure to surface reservoirs (locker room floors), and with use of occlusive footwear." Treatment with topical therapy for 2 to 4 weeks often is adequate for mild infections however, severe infections or involvement of the nails requires oral therapy (see Table 118-8). Recurrence of infection occurs in up to 70% of individuals. Prolonged treatment with either topical or systemic therapy may be required." " ... 

Tazarotene gel, applied once daily to dry skin, may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other medications, such as topical corticosteroids, for the treatment of localized plaque psoriasis. This is the first topical retinoid approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of psoriasis. Side effects of burning, itching, and skin irritation are relatively common, and patients should avoid sun exposure. 

Employees should be informed of the risks of exposure to corrosive agents and be well trained to handle the chemicals as well as to act when they have been exposed. Showers for rapid irrigation with water should be easily accessible. A 1% copper sulfate solution, polyethylene glycol 300 or 400, 5% sodium thiosulfate solution, and a proper calcium preparation should be present in the first-aid kit. A calcium preparation for topical treatment should also be present near any employees work site where hydrofluoric acid or fluorides are used. Workers at risk should wear proper protective equipment, which may include eye glasses, face masks, gloves, boots, and safety dresses. 

Many mild cases of nickel dermatitis will clear when exposure to the causative object(s) is avoided and a topical treatment is applied. Hand eczema in nickel-sensitive patients is, however, considered to have a poor prognosis and may in some cases be resistant to treatment and persist for years (Fregert 1975 Christensen 1982). Nickel dermatitis in Denmark is the second most common dermatological disease, after irritant contact dermatitis, giving rise to compensation... 

Conclusion The authors conclude that water washing followed by topical calcium should remain the standard first aid treatment for skin exposure to hydrofluoric acid even at days 4 and... 

Use of tea tree oil for the topical treatment of bum wounds is not recommended due to in vitro inhibition of human epithelial cell and fibroblast viability from 24 h exposure to the oil. Applicatiou of the pure oil to the abraded skin of rabbits (Draize acute dermal irritation test) resulted in increased skin irritation, suggesting that the oil should not be applied in cases of dermatitis. ... 

A major advantage of these in vitro models is that the test substance can be applied directly (topically) to the culture surface (stratum comeum) at the air interface, thereby closely mimicking dermal exposure in humans. The models are therefore particularly appropriate for irritancy testing of products intended for topical exposure in humans such as treatments for skin conditions, cosmetics, wound dressings, transdermal delivery systems... 

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