Allergenic potential, marketing claims, and pricing of facial moisturizers.

Ingredients found in facial moisturizers can impact a myriad of skin conditions, including sensitive skin syndrome and contact dermatitis. There is a paucity of evidence on the allergenic potential and marketing claims of facial moisturizers, posing challenges to clinician recommendation and consumer selection. In this study, we systematically evaluate the 100 top-selling sun protective facial moisturizers that claim to be natural, fragrance free, expert-approved, age preventing, beneficial for sensitive skin, and sun protective. Allergenic potential of these moisturizers is evaluated based on ingredients used and prices and consumer ratings are compared. Accordingly, 75 of 100 marketed at least one additional benefit. "Anti-aging" products had the highest average price ($14.99/oz) and "expert-approved" had the lowest ($5.91/oz). Consumer rating was highest for facial moisturizers that were "fragrance-free" (4.35/5.00) whereas products that were "natural" received the lowest ratings (3.49/5.00). The most prevalent allergens found in these moisturizers were ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), phenoxyethanol, and cetyl alcohol. "Expert-approved" products had the fewest average allergens in their ingredient lists (P=0.033), whereas products advertising "SPF" had significantly more (P<0.001). Marketing claims play a role in product sales and ratings. When recommending products, physicians should balance allergenic risk with affordability and consumer preferences.

Pain and Itch Are Dual Burdens in Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Despite being widely reported by patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), pain symptoms, unlike itch, have not been widely assessed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to understand the distinct pain symptoms in patients with AD. METHODS: Responses from an anonymous questionnaire were collected from our eczema clinic (in-person survey) and collaboration with Global Parents for Eczema Research Group and the National Eczema Association (online survey) to assess skin pain among patients with AD 5 years and older. Eczema Area and Severity Index was measured in the clinic cohort to correlate with pain symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In our international cohort of 103 patients with AD, 78% reported concomitant pain and itch. The greatest pain burden occurred on the hands (odds ratio [OR], 0.77), perioral region (OR, 0.74), and toes (OR, 0.7), corresponding to regions with the greatest sensory nerve density. Pain was most commonly described as "burning" and "stinging," particularly when lesions were red, cracked, and dry. Its presence significantly interfered with sleep, leisure activities, and activities of daily living. Among the clinic cohort, we observed a strong Spearman correlation between objective Eczema Area and Severity Index score and subjective skin pain. It is imperative that clinicians understand patients' unique pain burden to best evaluate clinical severity and quality-of-life interference.