Topical application of docosanol- or stearic acid-containing creams reduces severity of phenol burn wounds in mice.

Abstract

Because of their reported antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, cream formulations containing n-docosanol (docosanol) or stearic acid were tested for effects on chemically-induced burns in mice. In this model, injury was induced by painting the abdomens of mice with a chloroform solution of phenol. This was followed by the topical application of test substances 0.5, 3, and 6 h later. Progression of the wounds was assessed by a single evaluator after 8 h, using a numerical score of gross morphology. Docosanol- and stearic acid-containing creams substantially and reproducibly lessened the severity and progression of skin lesions compared to untreated sites with a 76% and 57% reduction in mean lesion scores, respectively. Untreated wounds appeared red and ulcerated; docosanol cream-treated wounds showed only slight erythema.

• Authors: M H Khalil, J F Marcelletti, L R Katz, D H Katz, L E Pope
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 79-81 (Aug 2000) ISSN: 0105-1873 [Print] England
• PMID: 10945745 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antiviral Agents
• Disinfectants
• Fatty Alcohols
• Irritants
• Sclerosing Solutions
• Stearic Acids
• Phenol
• stearic acid
• docosanol

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Burns, Chemical (drug therapy, etiology, prevention & control)
• Dermatitis, Contact (drug therapy, etiology, prevention & control)
• Disinfectants (adverse effects)
• Fatty Alcohols (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Irritants (adverse effects)
• Mice
• Phenol (adverse effects)
• Sclerosing Solutions (adverse effects)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Stearic Acids (therapeutic use)