The Effect of Using Whitening Creams That Contain Mercury in the Community

Background: Mercury is usually added to skin lightening products because of its whitening effect. However, many cosmetics contain mercury above 1000 ppm to enhance the whitening effect. Objectives: This research aimed to determine the effects of mercury use in whitening creams for the general public. Methods: This research used descriptive-qualitative approach, the method that used in this research is literature study which implemented by recording the previous findings regarding to the variables of conflict. Results: Skin lightening products that contain mercury are available for sale via the Internet, promoted online on social media sites, and for sale via mobile applications. WHO states that more than 90 creams from 15 countries have detectable mercury concentrations below 1 ppm.  Discussion: Thirty-four creams (10% of the sample) were found to have high mercury levels, that is, above 1 ppm, in four of the 13 samples from Indonesia, overall, mercury concentrations in this particular product ranged from 93 ppm to over 16,000 ppm. Long-term adverse effects of using mercury cream on health include kidney damage, skin rashes, skin discoloration, and scarring, decreased skin resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, anxiety, and depression.DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.438224

Comparison of Total Antioxidant Capacity and Cd-4 in Patients with HIV Stage I and Stage IV

Introduction: The role of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) is the cumulative effect of all the antioxidants found in the blood and body fluids. Objective: to know the total antioxidant status in patients with HIV and CD4 stage I and stage IV. Methods: Thirty-four patients with HIV who are divided into two groups, one was HIV patients with stage I and group 2 was HIV patients with stage IV. Checking of total antioxidant status and CD4 in both groups. Results: There was no significant difference in total antioxidant status in HIV oenderita stage I and stage IV. There are significant differences in the levels of CD4 HIV patients with stage I and stage IV. There is a relationship between total antioxidant status and CD4 in patients with HIV. Conclusion: the higher the CD4 count, the higher the total antioxidant capacity in patients with HIV

COMPARISON OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND CD-4 IN PATIENTS WITH HIV STAGE I AND STAGE IV

ABSTRACT Introduction: The role of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) is the cumulative effect of all the antioxidants found in the blood and body fluids. Objective: to know the total antioxidant status in patients with HIV and CD4 stage I and stage IV. Methods: Thirty-four patients with HIV who are  divided into two groups, one was HIV patients with stage I and  group  2 was HIV patients with stage IV. Checking of total antioxidant status and CD4 in both groups. Results: There was no significant difference in total antioxidant status in HIV oenderita stage I and stage IV. There are significant differences in the levels of CD4 HIV patients with stage I and stage IV. There  is a relationship between total antioxidant status and CD4 in patients with HIV. Conclusion: the higher the CD4 count,  the higher the total antioxidant capacity in patients with HIV. Keywords : CD4, Patients HIV, Total Antioxidant Capacit

The Relationship Between Propionibacterium Acnes and Free Fatty Acid Levels of the Skin Surface in Acne Vulgaris Patients

For a long time hyperseborrhoea has been considered as a major aetiopathogenetic factor for acne. However, emerging data on alterations of sebum lipid composition in acne patients. Indicate that sebum composition may be more important for the development of acne lesions than the secreted amount. Indeed, bacterial hydrolases convert some of the triglycerides to free fatty acids on the skin surface.  Free fatty acids were detected to express proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. The study aims to investigate the relationship between Propionibacterium acnes and free fatty acids at the surface skin of acne vulgaris. The study was conducted at a senior high school in Makassar from July to August 2017. The method is analytic observational with cross-sectional design. The samples are acne vulgaris patients aged between 15 to 18 years old in senior high school of the city. Comedones were taken on acne vulgaris lesion from the 28 samples for the examination of Propionibacterium acnes and sebum using absorbent paper to examine free fatty acid content. The study indicates no significant correlation between free fatty acid from the skin surface of the patients and the presence of Propionibacterium acnes. There is a correlation between Propionibacterium acnes and acne vulgaris but insignificant

Office-made 4% Albendazole Cream is an Effective Alternative Therapy for Cutaneous Larva Migrans: A Report of Three Cases

Introduction. Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), commonly called creeping eruption, is a parasitic skin disorder caused by the invasion of larva to the skin. This disease classically presents as serpiginous lesions. Larva frequently originates from fecal material of cats and dogs. The pruritus is usually intense and if not treated might disrupt activity, lead to secondary infection, and extend to other regions. Oral and topical antihelminthic agents are the first-line treatment with excellent clinical response. However, they are not always readily available, as is it the case in our region. We attempt to tackle this limitation by formulating an office-made albendazole cream. This report shows the clinical efficacy of our regimen in three cases of CLM

The Effect of Topical Bimatoprost 0.03% Solution on Androgenic Alopecia

Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a pattern of hair loss in men and women characterized by progressive miniaturization that does not cause scarring of hair follicles. Prostaglandin analogues have been recognized as being capable of inducing hypertrichosis. Objective: To determine the effect and safety of bimatoprost on androgenic alopecia Methods: Eight subject diagnosed with androgenic alopecia based on history, physical examination and dermoscope, were given 1 drop (≈ 50µL) bimatoprost 0.03% in the target area of therapy once a day for 12 weeks. A dermoscope was used to measure the diameter and number of velus hairs (hair with a diameter less than 1mm) Result: All target areas of therapy showed an increase in the velus hair diameter after therapy Conclusion: This study shows that 12-week topical application of bimatoprost 0.03% solution results in a significant increase in vellus hair diameter

The Effect of Glutathione Supplementation (L-Glutation, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Zinc) on Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) Level

Introduction: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced continuously in our body as a result of biochemical reactions which may cause oxidative stress and various dysfunctions. Antioxidants are substances which are postulated to prevent or even overcome the adverse effects of free radicals. Glutathione is a type of antioxidant that is required for maintaining mitochondrial function, DNA health, improving immune function and providing anti-inflammatory effects. However, the benefit of glutathione as a health supplement in healthy individuals is yet to be elucidated. Method: a total of 30 healthy women was included in this double-blinded randomized controlled trial study. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups receiving placebo and antioxidant capsule, respectively. One capsule of antioxidant contains 500 mg L-glutathione, 250 mg ascorbic acid, 50 mg alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and 4 mg zinc which was given every day to the treatment group for 12 weeks. The total antioxidant serum (TAS) level before and after 12 weeks of treatment was examined using ELISA. Result: No significant TAS level difference was observed between both groups before and after treatment (p>0.05). In addition, there was also no significant difference in TAS level within the group before and after 12 weeks of treatment (p>0.05). No significant side effects were observed. Conclusion: This study shows that short term administration of antioxidant supplement containing glutathione, ascorbic acid, ALA, and zinc did not significantly affect the antioxidant level

EVALUATION OF INTERLEUKIN-12 AND INTERLEUKIN-4 LEVELS IN MULTIBACILLARY-TYPE LEPROSY PATIENT 12 MONTHS AFTER RIFAMPICIN OFLOXACIN MINOCYCLINE COMBINATION THERAPY

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. In leprosy, cell-mediated immune responses are an important aspect of host resistance to mycobacterial infections and allegedly governed by anequilibrium between type 1 cytokines including Interleukin-12 (IL-12); with type 2 cytokines such as Interleukin-4 (IL-4). Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 3 leprosy treatment regimens, one of them is Rifampicin Ofloxacin Minocycline (ROM). To date, studies on the effects of ROM on leprosy have been limited, none have specifically assessed the effects of ROM on specific immune systems, especially cytokines. Methods: The study was conducted by prospective research method. The sample of this research were all multibacillary (MB) type of leprosy patients according to WHO classification who had received ROM therapy and recorded as the patient at research location and had medical record previous of interleukin-12 and interleukin-4 levels. After 12 months of ROM therapy, blood samples were collected and calculated using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using the Quantikine® high sensitivity (HSv) kit. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in IL-4 after 12 months of a 3-months-ROM therapy. In contrast, the levels of IL-12 after 12 months showed significant decreases. Conclusions: Increased levels of IL-4 and decreased IL-12 can be caused by many factors. Therefore, further research with a closer supervision is required