rosin and Skin-Diseases

Pine tar is the end product of pine wood carbonisation following distillation using extreme heat. An extensive literature search was conducted back to the 1950s for this review. Pine tar has been used in medicine for more than 2000 years to treat a range of skin conditions because of its soothing and antiseptic properties. Pine tar should not be confused with coal tar, which has been produced from coal for approximately a hundred years. Pine tar is thought to exert its effect by reducing DNA synthesis and mitotic activity, which promotes a return to normal keratinisation. In addition, pine tar has been shown to be antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. These properties make pine tar suitable for the topical treatment of eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other dry, itchy, flaky or inflamed skin conditions. Topical products available over-the-counter in Australia today contain up to 2.3% pine tar, and come in several different formulations that can be used on the entire body, including the face. Modern day pine tar is manufactured with increased purity to eliminate toxic phenol and carcinogenic components, which have been of concern in the past. Primary irritation is uncommon. In conclusion, the long experience with topical pine tar therapy and its worldwide usage, together with the evidence presented in this review, suggests that pine tar is an effective treatment with minimal safety risk.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; History, Ancient; Humans; Resins, Plant; Skin Diseases

In order to define a standard diagnostic protocol for managing allergic dis-eases in musicians, we conducted a literature search on this topic. The most frequent allergic disease in this special category of workers was contact dermatitis, always described in stringed and wind instruments players, involving the mouth and the hands. No other allergic disease directly related to musical instruments was reported. The most frequently reported culprit substances were: colophony, exotic woods, nickel sulphate, varnishes, and propolis (bee glue). Thus, being contact dermatitis the most frequent disease, a correct diagnostic approach to this problem in musicians should involve, in addition to clinical history and examination, the patch test with a specific panel of substances. Finally, allergy in musicians involves additional problems: the virtual impossibility to avoid the offending substance, and the poor adherence to therapy due to lifestyle. In general, this specific allergologic problem seems to be underestimated, underdiagnosed and, as a conquence, poorly managed.

Topics: Callosities; Coloring Agents; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Lip Diseases; Music; Nickel; Occupational Diseases; Paint; Pigmentation Disorders; Propolis; Resins, Plant; Skin Diseases; Wood

Topics: Adult; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatologic Agents; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Resins, Plant; Skin Diseases; Tars; Warts

The authors describe two cases of allergic contact dermatitis to colophony included in the formulation of flexible collodion BP, the vehicle of a wart paint. Patch and repeated open application tests confirmed absence of contact allergy to other constituents. The patients were known to be allergic to various adhesive plasters. The use of flexible collodion USP, which does not contain colophony, is highly advisable whenever possible.

Topics: Adult; Collodion; Dermatitis, Contact; Female; Humans; Lactates; Lactic Acid; Patch Tests; Pharmaceutical Vehicles; Resins, Plant; Salicylates; Skin Diseases; Warts

Topics: Humans; Industry; Occupational Diseases; Occupations; Resins, Plant; Skin Diseases; Tars