Phone: (919) 828-2877   Fax: (305)223-5510

Website: http://www.proteque.com

Identified Concerns of Contact Dermatitis and Eczema Sufferers
(Based on Protèque International Market Survey Research in US)

SAFETY CONCERNS

• Prolonged exposure to steroids (corticosteroids) especially children
• Exposure to chemicals or irritants (on the job, at home, outside, hobbies)
• Exposure to known occupational hazards (latex, allergens)
• Exposure and reactions to ingredients in common products (cosmetics, household cleaners, gloves, garden products, detergents, textiles)
• Exposure to bacteria and viruses
• Compatibility with chlorhexidine (CHG) antimicrobial surgical scrub soaps

HEALTH CONCERNS

• Acute and chronic chapped, chafed, cracked skin
• Repeated exposure to irritants causing dermatitis
• Cross contamination of staph and other bacteria and viruses lodged in eczema skin (major infection control concerns in hospitals and nursing homes relating to nosocomial infections)
• Repeated water exposure causing removal of the lipids, which are the skin’s protective barrier film of oil leading to breakdown of skin’s integrity and epidermal barrier function.
• Prevention of the healing process by repeated exposure of skin to occupational hazards.
• Breakdown of the skin caused by incontinence -- adults and children
• Chronic skin irritation conditions due to prolonged bed rest in nursing homes (e.g skin ulcers)

BEAUTY CONCERNS

• Most moisturizing and barrier creme lotions contain mineral oil or petroleum ingredients which have a greasy feel
• Most therapeutic products (OTC and Prescription) have aesthetic features which are unsatisfactory or interfere with use of desired cosmetic products and vice versa.
• Fragrance of "fragrance-free" and fragranced OTC products for therapeutic use are either unpleasant or undesirable causing non-compliant behavior of patients.

CONVENIENCE

• Most topical steroids and moisturizers wash off or are rubbed off causing only a small percentage of effective treatment (Maibach)
• No products offer significant protection and therapeutic benefits in a single application product that lasts for hours
• No products for both cosmetic and healthcare use

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SKIN DISEASE MANAGEMENT

• Contact dermatitis is a major US occupational health concern and is a top priority of the National Institute of Health agenda. One in twenty US workers and 30-40% healthcare workers.
• 80% of occupational skin diseases are caused by environmental irritants; 20% by allergens.
• Exponential growth in reported cases of hand eczema. Common causes are gloves, soaps, hand washing and chemical exposures.