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Microbial Contamination in Ocular Cosmetics
Abstract
Eye cosmetic samples (428) from 235 women were cultured for bacteria and fungi. Contamination was noted in 12% (fungal) and 43% (bacterial) of the samples. Cultures from the outer eye of women with contaminated cosmetics yielded the same organism in a significant number of cases. In one instance, the mascara of a woman with keratomycosis due to Fusarium solani yielded the same fungus and in five of six women with pseudomonas-contaminated cosmetics, pseudomonas was isolated from the outer eye. New cosmetic samples were essentially free of microbial contamination. Representative fungal isolates were shown to assimilate cosmetic components such as paraffin oil, petroleum, and isopropyl myristate. This study demonstrates that bacteria and fungi may contaminate eye makeup, presenting a potential hazard of ocular infection.
... 145 Use of cosmetics contaminated with microbes may also induce ocular surface inflammation. 140,179,267,268 Inflammatory mediators within the tear film lead to goblet cell loss, disturbances in glycocalyx mucin expression and disruption to the mucin layer of the tear film, predisposing to ocular surface epithelial damage and driving further inflammation. Periocular cosmetics and eye make up removers contain a variety of chemicals, including fragrances, preservatives, antioxidants, emollients, resins, nickel-containing pigments, and pearlescent additives. ...
... These infections were initially treated as allergic reactions and worsened with immunosuppression. 110,268 Cosmetic tattoos are often performed in non-clinical settings and, although rare, blood-borne infections do occur in patients undergoing eyelid and eyebrow tattoos. 228 Liao abd coworkers describe a case of eyelid hypopigmentation as a delayed reaction to eyeliner tattoos, postulating that chemicals within the ink inhibited melanin synthesis. ...
The popularity and variety of temporary and permanent periocular aesthetic treatments has increased over the past decade. Patients frequently present to eye clinics with ocular complications and side effects following these treatments, their severity ranging from ocular irritation from dry eyes to visual loss from vascular occlusion. A careful, thorough history is essential, as many patients may not associate aesthetic procedures with ocular complications, and some may be embarrassed to disclose this information. All ophthalmologists should understand the potential ocular sequelae of these treatments and be able to initiate treatment in sight-threatening cases. Wesummarises the current literature on ophthalmic complications of the most common periocular aesthetic treatments.
... Sources of this microbial contamination may include air and water, manufacturing equipment, manufacturing personnel and/or the consumer [5]. Bacterial contamination of products through consumer use, has resulted in presence of mixed and harmful microbial flora in the product [6]. ...
Artemisinin-derivative formulations are now widely used to treat falciparum malaria. However, the dry powder suspensions developed for children are few and/or are of poor quality. In addition to the active compound, the presence of a suitable preservative in these medicines is essential. In this study, an evaluation of the preservative content and efficacy in some dry suspensions available on the Kenyan market was performed.
UV spectrophotometry was used to identify the preservatives in each sample while HPLC-UV was used for quantification. After reconstitution of the powders in water, the dissolution of the preservatives was followed for 7 days. Antimicrobial efficacy of the preservatives was assessed by conducting a preservative efficacy test (PET) following the European pharmacopoeia standards.
Four different preservatives were identified namely methylparahydroxybenzoate (MP), propylparahydroxybenzoate (PP), benzoic acid and sorbic acid. MP and PP were identified in Artesiane (artemether 300 mg/100 ml), Alaxin (dihydroartemisinin 160 mg/80 ml) andGvither (artemether 300 mg/100 ml) respectively. Sorbic acid was presentin Artenam (artemether 180 mg/60 ml) while benzoic acid was identified in Santecxin (dihydroartemisinin 160 mg/80 ml) and Artexin (dihydroartemisinin 160 mg/80 ml) respectively. Cotecxin (dihydroartemisinin 160 mg/80 ml) did not contain any of the above preservatives. After reconstitution in water, preservativesin 50%(3/6) of the products did not completely dissolve and the PET results revealed that only Artenam and Gvither met the requirements for antimicrobial efficacy. The other products did not conform.
These results show that paediatric antimalarial dry powder formulations on the market may contain ineffective or incorrect amounts of preservatives. This is a potential risk to the patient. Studies conducted on the dry powder suspensions should include the analysis of both the active ingredient and the preservative, including the efficacy of the latter.
... C. albicans survives well on moist surfaces and can be isolated from the toothbrushes of subjects with oral yeasts (Koch & Koch 1981). It may also survive in eye cosmetics (Wilson et al. 1971) and hand cream (France 1968). An endophthalmitis outbreak in drug addicts was thought to result from a contaminated diluent used in injections (Shankland & Richardson 1988). ...
... A report from Wilson et al. (12) states that the outer eyes of women who use eye cosmetics often harbor pseudomonas organisms which are transferred to their eye liners, mascaras, and eye shadows, where growth may continue. Later, these potentially infectious materials are reapplied to the eyes. ...
Synopsis--The potential hazard to consumers from use of EYE-AREA COSMETICS contami-nated with PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA was evaluated. The development of pseudo-monas KERATITIS in rabbit and monkey eyes could only be achieved consistently when or-ganisms were introduced into eyes whose corneal epithelium was not intact. Data are also presented which compare the effects of introducing viable organisms and ENDOTOXIN (a pscudomonas lipopolysaccharide) into CORNEA with those obtained on SCLERA and DERMIS by topical application and injecti,on techniques. The RABBIT EYE appears to be more sensitive to the virulent effects of P. aeruginosa than the MONKEY EYE. Finally, experimental results suggest that corneal destruction by P. aeruginosa results from the or-ganism's elaboration of a COLLAGENOLYTIC ENZYME, which may be activated in vivo during the infectire process. When endotoxin prepared from P. aeruginosa is injected into the cornea, it produces corneal changes resembling pseudomonas keratitis. The endotoxin also appears to be capable of stimulating the release of a collagenolytic enzyme. Further work is needed to establish the precise mechanisms of tissue destruction.
... 67 As described above, most eye cosmetics contain preservatives. Wilson et al. 68 reported that there must be more than 5,000 organisms per milliliter in a liquid eyeliner to hinder the function of the preservatives within it. Repeated use of eye cosmetics by multiple users (e.g., testers at cosmetic counters) increases exposure to contaminants and can inoculate the product with high levels of bacteria. ...
Despite the fact that cosmetic products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for human use, some users report mild discomfort following their application. The cutaneous changes, such as allergic dermatitis, are well reported, but the ocular changes associated with eye cosmetic use are less so. Some pigmented cosmetic products may accumulate within the lacrimal system and conjunctivae over many years of use, but immediate reports of eye discomfort after application are most common. Changes to the tear film and its stability may occur shortly after application, and contact lens wearers can also be affected by lens spoliation from cosmetic products. Additionally, creams used in the prevention of skin aging are often applied around the eyes, and retinoids present in these formulations can have negative effects on meibomian gland function and may be a contributing factor to dry eye disease. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the impact of cosmetic products on the eye, ocular surface, and tear film.
... Studies of in-use mascaras that are applied to eye lashes have shown that these periocular cosmetics are often contaminated with microorganisms, which usually are representative of the normal human skin flora (3,17,30,31). Eye shadows are another type of cosmetic applied around the eyes, usually on the upper lid. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first surveillance study of the type and incidence of microbial contamination associated with in-use store display eye shadow testers. ...
We surveyed 15 different brands of eye shadow on display for customer use in different retail stores for microbial contamination. This was the first reported microbial surveillance of in-use eye shadow display testers in retail establishments. Cultures were obtained at each retail store. Sterile dacron swabs were rolled and rubbed over the entire used surface of each shadow, and each inoculum was streaked onto the surfaces of blood agar plates. Of the 1,345 individual samples obtained, 67% were contaminated with one or more species of microorganisms representing the genera Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, and Moraxella. We also purchased two different brands of water-miscible eye shadows in replicate unit containers. Each brand was challenged separately with a few hundred to several thousand colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Both brands permitted growth of P. aeruginosa but not growth of S. aureus. A. calcoaceticus was inhibited after inoculation into one brand. With the other brand, the inoculum of Acinetobacter multiplied in one of the two different lots tested. This experimental challenge procedure can serve as a useful model system for studying the behavior of microbes in eye shadows and similar matrices.
... 2,6,7 There is an increased risk of ocular infection with microbial con- tamination of the products, which may arise from multiple sources, such as during the manufacturing process, reduced preservative efficacy with the age of the product, and shared use of cosmetic products amongst multiple users. [36][37][38][39] Ocular Demodex mites have a high affinity toward oil-rich environ- ments, such as the meibomian glands, and may also survive in oil-based cosmetic products and applicators. 6 Corneal trauma is a recognized potential complication from the use of mascara applicator wands (Figure 4). ...
Eye cosmetics are frequently applied among female populations of all age groups around the world. However, the migration of cosmetic products across the eyelid margin has been reported, and this is thought to exacerbate tear film instability and symptoms of dry eye. Furthermore, numerous adverse effects and complications have also been reported with eye cosmetic wear, and the associated inflammatory responses may potentially increase the propensity toward ocular surface disease development. Prospective studies have demonstrated that eyeliner application at the inner eyelash line is associated with higher levels of tear film contamination and ocular discomfort than application at the outer periocular skin. A recent randomized trial also highlighted the potential for eye cosmetic wear to compromise the efficacy of lipid-based dry eye supplements. This review outlines the current evidence base and understanding regarding the periocular migration of eye cosmetic products, the effects of cosmetic product contamination on tear film function, and the use of dry eye treatments in eye cosmetic wearers.
... 27,72 Curvularia keratitis is also a rare complication of soft contact lens wear, 82 possibly because this fungus is capable of contaminating contact lenses 82,103 and cosmetics. 104 Curvularia may be found on unwashed skin but colonizes less than 1% of normal human eyelids 105 and only 1% to 3% of healthy conjunctivae. 70,[106][107][108] Curvularia keratitis has a slower course and less inflammation than some other fungal corneal infections. ...
To determine the risk factors and clinical signs of Curvularia keratitis and to evaluate the management and outcome of this corneal phaeohyphomycosis.
We reviewed clinical and laboratory records from 1970 to 1999 to identify patients treated at our institution for culture-proven Curvularia keratitis. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used to identify variables associated with the length of antifungal therapy and with visual outcome. In vitro susceptibilities were compared to the clinical results obtained with topical natamycin.
During the 30-year period, our laboratory isolated and identified Curvularia from 43 patients with keratitis, of whom 32 individuals were treated and followed up at our institute and whose data were analyzed. Trauma, usually with plants or dirt, was the risk factor in one half; and 69% occurred during the hot, humid summer months along the US Gulf Coast. Presenting signs varied from superficial, feathery infiltrates of the central cornea to suppurative ulceration of the peripheral cornea. A hypopyon was unusual, occurring in only 4 (12%) of the eyes but indicated a significantly (P = .01) increased risk of subsequent complications. The sensitivity of stained smears of corneal scrapings was 78%. Curvularia could be detected by a panfungal polymerase chain reaction. Fungi were detected on blood or chocolate agar at or before the time that growth occurred on Sabouraud agar or in brain-heart infusion in 83% of cases, although colonies appeared only on the fungal media from the remaining 4 sets of specimens. Curvularia was the third most prevalent filamentous fungus among our corneal isolates and the most common dematiaceous mold. Corneal isolates included C senegalensis, C lunata, C pallescens, and C prasadii. All tested isolates were inhibited by 4 micrograms/mL or less of natamycin. Topical natamycin was used for a median duration of 1 month, but a delay in diagnosis beyond 1 week doubled the average length of topical antifungal treatment (P = .005). Visual acuity improved to 20/40 or better in 25 (78%) of the eyes.
Curvularia keratitis typically presented as superficial feathery infiltration, rarely with visible pigmentation, that gradually became focally suppurative. Smears of corneal scrapings often disclosed hyphae, and culture media showed dematiaceous fungal growth within 1 week. Natamycin had excellent in vitro activity and led to clinical resolution with good vision in most patients with corneal curvulariosis. Complications requiring surgery were not common but included exophytic inflammatory fungal sequestration, treated by superficial lamellar keratectomy, and corneal perforation, managed by penetrating keratoplasty.
Ecologic and hygienic interests led us to analyze the mycoflora of the sands of a sand box for children's play in Turin.
Along with traditional methods, we have also employed selective techniques suitable for the isolation of cellulolytic and keratinolytic fungi.
A total of 89 species were isolated. As supported by the literature references, the presence of most species is justified by the exogenous supply of vegetal residues, hairs, feathers and excrements. A good deal of species, moreover, are either well known agents of mycoses or have been isolated from various animal and human lesions; thus these sands do not represent the ideal environment for children's play.
The literature between January, 1970 and June, 1972 on external diseases of the eye has been reviewed. Summaries of forty-two papers arc presented which demonstrate changes in approach and concern in the area of external diseases of the eye.
Rabbit corneas, intact or abraded, were inoculated with 10 different fungal or bacterial microorganisms. Lesions developed in abraded eyes only in four of six animals infected with P. aeruginosa strain F1 and one of six treated with Fd2 strain of the same organism. None of the remaining organisms produced lesions in the intact or injured corneas. A cosmetic eyeliner was contaminated with a mixture of large inocula of the same organisms. After three days at room temperature, the number of viable organisms was markedly reduced. Neither the uncontaminated nor the three-day contaminated cosmetic produced conjunctival or corneal lesions when introduced into intact or abraded rabbit eyes.
Our study of a random series of more than 300 spoiled soft contact lenses reveals that virtually all lenses currently in use for daily or extended wear are subject to deterioration due to extraneous deposits, physical and chemical changes in the lens material, and microbial invasion. Common causes include ocular secretions, finger dirt and cosmetics, disinfecting and cleansing techniques, environmental factors, manufacturing defects and polymer impurities, mechanical stress and breakage, as well as aging and decay of the lens material. Mucoprotein-lipid deposits, with or without calcium, and calcareous deposits constitute the major forms of lens spoilage. Removal of encrusted deposits leaves surface irregularities and matrix defects which facilitate secondary spoilage including microbial invasion, and such lenses should be discarded. As virtually no soft lens material currently in use is "safe" for extended wear, the practitioner must carefully evaluated and follow his patients to identify those at risk of lens failure and spoilage complications. To eliminate spoilage, new lens materials and improved manufacturing techniques are needed. In the interim, for many patients, an inexpensive disposable soft lens which can be easily replaced, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly, may be the answer.
We studied seven cases of severe gram-negative microbial keratitis associated with the use of contaminated topical ocular medications. Five cases involved Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one involved Serratia marcescens, and one involved Proteus mirabilis. In each case the same organism was cultured from corneal scrapings and from the medication. Either prednisolone acetate (one case) or timolol maleate (seven cases) was implicated in all instances.
Over 150 mascaras representing eight popular brands were examined for their susceptibility to microbial contamination during their use by study group members. Additional mascaras from patients with symptoms and clinical findings of long-term blepharitis also were investigated. Early in the study, two brands without preservatives supported reproducing populations of microorganisms, including potential eye pathogens. These products, as currently manufactured, were recalcitrant to microbial attack. Microbes associated with the facial skin and fingers of the study group users were typically isolated from mascaras after use. Initial microorganisms isolated from mascaras were usually transients. Establishment of reproducing populations within the cosmetics appeared related to the number of uses, personal habits of the user, and the formulation of the product. Four patients with staphylococcal blepharitis and cosmetics heavily laden with Staphylococcus epidermidis showed marked clinical improvement when they stopped using the contaminated cosmetics. The application of used eye area makeup prior to and following ocular surgery should be avoided.
Microbial organisms are normally present on human eyelashes. Application of mascara to lashes has the potential to inoculate the mascara tube with microbes. This pilot study of a real-world situation investigated the microbial contamination of 2 brands of mascara used daily for 3 months.
Forty women between the ages of 18 and 39 were randomly assigned to use 1 of 2 brands of nonwaterproof mascara. All mascara tubes were unexpired and purchased on the same day. Subjects were instructed to use the mascara on both the upper and lower lids every day for 3 months. After 3 months, the mascara tubes were collected, cultured, and examined for microbial growth.
Mascara tubes were collected from 33 of 40 (82.5%) subjects who began the study. Microbial growth was found in 36.4% of the subject tubes. Based on growth on selective media, most of the organisms were determined to be Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species, or fungi. We did not attempt to quantify the numbers of bacteria or fungi present within the tubes.
Because microbial presence was found in 36.4% of the mascara tubes cultured after 3 months of use, we recommend a maximum 3-month use of a mascara tube used on a daily basis. More frequent replacement may be warranted with further study.
Two hundred and thirty-two products used in the skin care of babies were examined for bacterial contamination. Contamination rates were compared between unused samples collected from homes, those used in the home, and those used in the maternity wards of a local hospital. Products used and unused, originating from the home had a low incidence of contamination and small bacterial populations. One product used in hospital was found to be susceptible to contamination; several samples were contaminated with Gram-negative rods. The significance of these contaminants in products used on babies is discussed and proposals are put forward for avoiding in-use contamination.
Contamination bactérienne des produits utilisés pour les soin de la peau des bébés
Deux cent trente deux produits utilisés pour les soin de la peau des bébés ont été examinés pour leur contamination bactérienne. Les taux de contamination ont été comparés entre des échantillons non ouverts, ceux utilisés ouverts par les mères dans les foyers et ceux en cours d'utilisation dans les chambres de maternité d'un hopital. Les produits ouverts et non ouverts provenant des foyers avaient une faible incidence de contamination et des faibles populations bactériennes. Un produit utilisé dans un hopital a été démontré susceptible d'être contaminé. Plusieurs échantillons de ce produit ont été contaminés par des bacilles gram negatifs. La signification de ces résultats a été discutée et des propositions, sont soumises pour éviter la contamination des produits lors de leur utilisation.
A single yeast strain was isolated from a spoiled contour-des-yeux cream. The deterioration consisted of separation of the oil/water emulsion and a liquid appearance. The yeast was identified as Candida parapsilosis, an opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. The biodeterioration effect could be reproduced when this yeast was inoculated onto different cosmetic creams under laboratory conditions: direct inoculation, preservatives inactivated and aged products. The strain was able to grow on some of the compounds of the cosmetic formulations as the sole source of carbon: lipid components, emulsifiers, thickeners, humectants or solvents. It was resistant to butyl paraben and phenoxy ethanol, preservatives used in the cosmetic industry.ResumenSe ha aislado una cepa de levadura contaminante de una crema de contorno de ojos. El deterioro observado consistió en la separación de las fases acousa y grasa de la emulsión original, perdiendo así su consistencia cremosa inicial. La levadura fue identificada como Candida parapsilosis, un patógeno oportunista asociado con infecciones nosocomiales. Cuando fue inoculada en cosméticos en condiciones asépticas de laboratorio (inoculación directa, conservantes inactivados y productos envejecidos) se reprodujo el deterioro anteriormente observado. La cepa fue capaz de crecer sobre alguno de los compuestos presentes en las formulaciones de cosméticos utilizándolos como única fuente de carbono: Componentes lipídicos, emulsificantes, espesantes, humectantes o solventes. Tambien se mostró resistente a ciertos conservantes usados en la industria cosmética como: butil paraben y fenoxi etanol.
IntroductionMajor Microbial Risk FactorsPackage Characteristics That Influence Risk AssessmentRefillable Packaging ConceptsReusable/Refillable Packaging RisksBulk Product ConsiderationsBulk Product And Refill DispensersCosmetic Applicators And Mode Of ApplicationClosures And Delivery SystemsRating Packaging Microbial RiskSummaryReferences
IntroductionUnique Microbiological Issues To Going GreenNatural CosmeticsEffectiveness Of Natural Preservatives“Free From” DilemmaSummationReferences
Synopsis--One hundred and seventy-two toiletry and cosmetic items purchased in 1971 from retail outlets throughout England and Wales were examined microbiologically. Viable MICRO- ORGANISMS were not recovered from over 50 o of the items tested and about 90 % contained fewer than 1000 organisms g-. 75 o of all POWDER PREPARATIONS tested did not contain viable SPORES of ANAEROBIC BACTERIA and none contained more than 300 spores of anaerobic bacteria g-L Of the anaerobes isolated, none was identified as Clostridium tetani. Coliform bacteria were not detected in any preparation of toothpaste or lipstick examined. Comparison of counts from the top and bottom ends of metal foil tubed products showed almost identical counts in most cases, but in two instances significantly higher counts were observed in the top (nozzle end) sample. Further analyses were performed on six or twelve replicate items of a single brand of seven product types to check the inter-sample variation in count. The results obtained confirmed the overall level of colony count observed previously for these products; in some instances marked inter-sample variation in count was seen.
Synopsis-Several reports have enumerated the MICROFLORA of used eye cosmetics. However, there is a paucity of literature describing the microflora of the OUTER EYE AREA. Understanding of the microflora of the outer skin around the eye should be useful in the development of PRESERVATIVE systems for eye cosmetics. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge of the microflora of the outer eye as determined in selected subiects residing in Los Angeles, Calif.
A reversed phase HPLC method that allows the separation and
simultaneous determination of the preservatives methyl paraben (M.P.) and
propyl paraben (P.P.) is described. The separations were effected by using an
initial mobile phase of water: acetonitrile (50:50) on Inertsil C18 to elute P.P.
and M.P. The detector wavelength was set at 205 nm. Under these conditions,
separation of the two components was achieved in less than 10 min. Analytical
characteristics of the separation such as precision, specificity, linear range and
reproducibility were evaluated. The developed method was applied for the
determination of preservative M.P. and P.P. at concentration of 0.01 mg/mL
and 0.1 mg/mL respectively. The method was successfully used for
determining both compounds in sucralfate suspension.
Aim of the study was to evaluate the hygiene-microbiological monitoring of cosmetics in the region of Plovdiv, Bulgaria for an eight-year period (1995-2002). An analysis of Bulgarian and imported cosmetics was made by microbiological indices enlisted in the Bulgarian standard documents. Standard methods were used for analysis and control of the cosmetics. During the period 1995-2002, a total of 919 articles were analysed, 680 of them were Bulgarian production, and the rest 236 were imported. 160 (17.4%) were non-standard cosmetics, of them 145 (90.6%) were Bulgarian and 15 (9.4%) - imported. The main microbial contamination of the cosmetics was with Enterobacteriaceae (39.6%). It is concluded that during the monitored eight-year period 3/4 of the analysed cosmetics were Bulgarian. During the whole period, the non-standard cosmetics of Bulgarian origin were prevailing. That gives the authors reason to recommend enhanced control of the chain producer-consumer having in mind the opening of a large number of new productions of cosmetics in our country.
The Sumerians, Babylonians, Hebrews and Egyptians used cosmetics for ceremonial, medicinal and ornamental purposes as early as 4000 BC. Their cosmetics were mainly face and body paints, skin oils, ointments packaged in pots or jars, and pigments contained in sticks (crayons) or pencils. Their focus was on the eyes. Not only could cosmetics highlight and emphasize these expressions of the soul, but they had a practical side as well by protecting the eyes from flies and the Sun’s glare. Lashes, lids and eyebrows were painted black with kohl. The lower lid was edged with a green paste made from malachite. Malachite green is an excellent antibacterial dye and so this may have been the first instance of a preserved cosmetic.1
The main change compared with the corresponding chapter in the 9th edition of this book is that the voluntary microbial controls described there must now be practised and be controlled in law. An outline here has been added of the mandatory legal regulatory requirements in the extended European Union (EU) for microbial control of cosmetics; countries outside the union are also interested in applying them. The USA and Japan have recently added to their laws which include cosmetic safety. There is a need to harmonize standards globally, though this has not yet happened. This would assure a consumer that any cosmetic is within the set microbial limits and will remain so until the product is used up. That is, a marketed cosmetic will have been tested for its microbial status throughout its formulation development, manufacture, storage in the finished package and also under conditions of repeated in-use contamination during the consumer trials for safety and stability. These stages will be considered in order, after a general consideration of microbial growth.
In an attempt to assess cosmetics containing “nontraditional” preservatives, ninety‐three eye area cosmetic products were selected based on labeled or marketed claims that these products were “green”, “natural”, “paraben‐free”, “preservative‐free”, or contained nontraditional preservatives (e.g., botanical extracts). Products were analyzed for water activity, pH, and microbiological content, which included enumeration of aerobic microorganisms, detection of microbial growth after a 7‐day enrichment, and identification of microbial isolates. The survey found that 60% (56/93) of the eye area cosmetics were free of microbiological growth under test conditions, 32% (30/93) showed presence of microorganisms at low levels (<100 CFU ml⁻¹ or g⁻¹), and 8% (7/93) showed microbiological growth at higher levels (> 100 CFU ml⁻¹ or g⁻¹). Gram‐positive (Gram⁺) bacteria such as Bacillus and Staphylococcus were the dominant genera identified in these cosmetic products, whereas Gram‐negative (Gram–) species were relatively uncommon. The survey found a positive association between lower water activity cosmetics and the presence of microorganisms in these products. Similarly, color cosmetics were more likely to contain microorganisms than non‐color cosmetics. The most represented microorganisms in the survey were from genus Bacillus, suggesting that the natural raw materials are the likely source of observed microbial loads.
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To protect consumers from unsafe or deceptively labeled cosmetics, the Food and Drug Administration promulgates regulations, conducts factory inspections, investigates marketed products, evaluates consumer complaints, maintains registries of voluntarily submitted formulation and adverse reaction information, and carries out analytical, microbiological and lexicological studies. There has been a significant shift in program priorities from surveillance activities to scientific research and the determination of systemic hazards to health. Major scientific efforts involve studies to determine the dermal toxicity of cosmetics, develop methods for predicting the efficacy of preservatives, and answer questions about the skin penetration and carcinogenicity of nitrosodiethanolamine. A further issue of concern is the carcinogenic hazard of hair dyes.
A patient with superficial punctate keratitis, who was receiving antibiotic and steroid therapy, developed an indolent corneal ulcer due to Candida parapsilosis (C. parakrusei). Treatment, which included use of the antifungal antibiotics nystatin (Mycostatin) and amphotericin B (Fungizone), was followed by slow healing of the ulcer.Report of a Case
The patient was first seen on Oct. 26, 1956, at the age of 37 years. She gave a history of five-year chronic recurrent inflammation of first one eye and then the other. Examination revealed a superficial punctate keratitis of the left eye. The vision was 20/20 in the right eye and only 2/200 in the left. The left eye was amblyopic due to esotropia in childhood. A litmus paper test revealed only 5 mm. of paper to be moist in the right side and only 6 mm. on the left after five minutes. The patient was thought to have keratitis
The clinical signs of nail psoriasis are described and correlated with the psoriatic involvement of the original nail components responsible for the formation of these signs.
Nail plate abnormalities, ie, pits and grooves, result from previous matrix psoriasis. Nail bed discoloration, onycholysis, and subungual keratosis result from nail bed or hyponychium involvement or both. It is suggested that the yellow greasy-look of psoriatic nails is due to a serum glycoprotein which accumulates in and under the abnormal nail.
Isolation of Candida from subungual debris is frequent. The presence of dermatophytes is rare.
Seven patients with proven fungal ulcers have been treated topically at frequent intervals with pimaricin 5% suspension. Prior laboratory experiments are cited and a volunteer ocular toxicity study is reported. Of seven patients treated, six received topical drops of 1% potassium iodide solution along with the pimaricin therapy. Two patients required penetrating keratoplasties and one patient was given a conjunctival inlay flap after pimaricin treatment. All patients obtained good visual results. In those patients subjected to keratoplasty, pathologic specimens obtained at surgery did not reveal any residual superficial fungus. Pimaricin 5% ophthalmic suspension has proved itself to be nontoxic, nonirritating and well tolerated. It is efficacious in cases of superficial keratomycosis, obtaining cures in two to four weeks. It is viscous, adhering well to the ulcer surface, and it remains in the cul-desac for long periods. This agent warrants further evaluation.
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Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
Mirando EH, Gomez M. Lead poisoning in childhood in Ceylon. Arch Dis Child. 1967 Dec;42(226):579–582. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Samples from the eyelid margins and conjunctival sacs of both eyes of 158 people with no clinical evidence of ocular disease were cultured twice to determine the incidence and persistence of fungi. Fungi, predominantly yeasts, were obtained from 47 eyes of 35 individuals, 22 women and 13 men. Candida parapsilosis, the most common species isolated, occurred in 12 out of 47 eyes. Fungi in the healthy outer eye appeared to depend on random seeding from the environment and to be transient. In two cultures at a one-week interval of samples from all eyes, only three subjects had the same fungus in the same eye. Following alteration of environment of two of these three subjects, a third culture was negative for fungi. The introduction of high numbers of adventitious pathogenic fungi into the eye or in the surrounding region, by cosmetics or ophthalmic medications is potentially hazardous.
Fourteen patients have been presented, ranging from 15 to 40 years of age, who have tattooed their conjunctivas by using eyeliner pencil on the conjunctival side of the lashes. This pigmentation appears to be permanent. A conjunctival biopsy was taken from one patient. An unsuccessful attempt was made to duplicate the picture in guinea pigs.
Urine specimens from 1013 patients were selectively and quantitatively cultured for yeasts. The presence of yeasts was correlated with the age, sex, and physical condition of the individual. Yeasts occurred at an incidence of 17·6% with approximately 6% of the patients demonstrating urine populations of at least 105 yeast cells/ml. Candida albicans, Torulopsis glabrata, and C. tropicalis were the most common species isolated. These taxa occurred in high densities most frequently among diabetics and terminal patients. Torulopsis glabrata was the most common species occurring in high numbers in urine specimens from diabetics with urinary tract pathologies; one diabetic patient died of a fungemia due to T. glabrata. The physiological and morphological characteristics employed for the identification of yeasts from urine specimens were critically examined and reviewed.
Muestras de orina de 1013 pacientes fueron cultivadas cualitative y cuantitativamente para levaduras. La presencia de levaduras se encontraron relacionadas con la edae, sexo, y condiciones fisicas del paciente. Se hallaron levaduras en un 17.6%, con un 6% approximadamente de pacientes demostraron crecimiento de levaduras a una concentracion de mas de 105 celulas por ml. Candida albicans, Torulopsis glabrata y Candida tropicalis, fueron las especies mas comunes de levaduras aisladas.
Estas especies aparecieron en mayor concentracion y mas frecuentemente aun entre los diabeticos y pacientes a termino. T. glabrata fue la especie mas comunmente hallada en altas concentraciones en pacientes diabeticos con otros trastornos pathlogicos de las vias urinarias; un paciente diabetico murio a causa de una infeccion generalizada de T. glabrata.
Las caracteristicas fisiologicas y morfologicas utilizadas para la identificacion de las levaduras provenientes de las muestras de orina fueron cuidadosa y detalladamente examindas y revisadas.
The hydrolysis of methylparaben in aqueous solution at 70, 80, and 85° in pH range from 6 to 8 has been studied.
Ten cases of mycotic corneal ulcer are reported with species identification of the fungi cultivated. Two of the 7 organisms were pathogens, 1 of them the anaerobic Actinomyces bovis; the remaining 5 were usually saprophytic molds. Steroid administration was recognized as a contributory etiologic factor in 7 of the 10 cases. This medication is definitely contraindicated in corneal trauma open to contamination. Therapy of superficial keratomycosis can be accomplished with ready available preparations of sulfacetamide and/or thimerosal with little or no visual loss. Deep keratomycosis requires much higher concentrations which may be achieved by iontophoresis with sulfacetamide repeated frequently because it is fungistatic (not fungicidal) and by specially prepared 1:1000 thimerosal ointment applied adequately. Visual loss is severe and perforation may require urgent measures.
Physical chemical aspects of preservative selection for pharmaceutical and cosmetic emulsions.
- Kostenbauder H.B.
Kostenbauder, H. B. : Physical chemical as-pects of preservative selection for pharmaceutical and cosmetic emulsions. Devel. Ind. Microbiol. 3 : 286, 1962.
The hydrolysis of methyl p-hydroxyhenzoate by Cladosporium resinae.
- Sokolski W.T.
- Chidester C.G.
- Honeywell G.E.
Sokolski, W. T., Chidester, C. G, and Hon-eywell, G. E. : The hydrolysis of methyl p-hydroxy-benzoate bv Cladosporium resinae. Devel. Ind. Mi-crobiol. 3:179, 1962.
Fungal flora of the conjunctival sac in health and disease.
- Williamson J.
- Gordon A.M.
- Wood R.
- Dyer A.M.
- Yaha O.A.
Pimaricin therapy of Cephalosporium and Fusarium keratitis.
- Newmark E.
- Ellison A.C.
- Jaufman H.E.