Skin protection for photosensitized patients

Background and Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate various cr eams for their capability to protect photosensitized skin from visible ligh t. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Two cover creams and creams containing various combinations of Vaseline with TiO2, ZnO, and Fe2O3 were used to mea sure the reduced light transmission and the light absorption spectrum. In v itro and in vivo tests were performed to assess the protection from light b y above mentioned compounds. Results: The cover creams and the 50% TiO2 cream showed similar efficacy in reducing light transmission, while the sunscreen was less efficient by a f actor of 5. Cell protection by 25% TiO2 + 25% ZnO, TiO2, or the cover cream s was more efficient than protection by the sunscreen or other compounds. I n vivo, the dark cover cream protected the skin by a factor of 3.4 better t han the sunscreen. Conclusion: The dark cover cream has acceptable properties to protect photo sensitized skin. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.