Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE (SLS)
An anionic surfactant and emulsifier that is a well known irritant
BACKGROUND
The emollient aqueous cream BP is frequently used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), yet it is associated with a high rate of adverse cutaneous reactions. It contains the harsh anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sulphate, a known negative environmental factor associated with the exacerbation of AD.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the effect of aqueous cream BP on stratum corneum (SC) integrity and skin barrier function in volunteers with a predisposition to a defective skin barrier.
METHODS
Thirteen volunteers with a previous history of AD (no symptoms for 6 months) applied aqueous cream BP twice daily to the volar side of one forearm for 4 weeks. The other forearm was left untreated as a control. Permeability barrier function and SC integrity were determined before and after treatment by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in conjunction with tape-stripping. For comparison, 13 volunteers with current AD were recruited for assessment, without treatment, of SC integrity and skin barrier function at unaffected sites.
RESULTS
Topical application of aqueous cream BP resulted in significant elevation of baseline TEWL and a concomitant decrease in SC integrity. Measurements made after no treatment in volunteers with current AD, at unaffected sites, suggest that application of aqueous cream BP negatively affects the skin barrier towards the damaged state associated with onset of flares of the disease..
CONCLUSIONS
Aqueous cream BP used as a leave-on emollient caused severe damage to the skin barrier in volunteers with a previous history of AD. Aqueous cream BP should not be used as a leave-on emollient in patients with AD.
Aqueous Cream contains around 8% Emulsifying Wax
Emulsifying Wax contains EITHER Cetearyl Alcohol and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate OR Cetearyl Alcohol and PEG 20 Stearate (also known as Polawax GP200)
Any healthE products containing Emulsifying Wax use the latter combination ie: Cetearyl Alcohol and PEG 20 Stearate (also know as Polawax GP200).
As of the date of preparation of this document, the foregoing information is believed to be accurate and is provided in good faith. However, no warranty or representation with respect to such information is intended or given.
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