ObjectiveDry and scaly conditions on the scalp are often observed in patients with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and/or pityriasis capitis. Those scalp lesions often exhibit low barrier function and reduced ceramide levels. Therefore, a clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of a pseudo-ceramide and eucalyptus extract-containing lotion on the scalps of patients with skin diseases.MethodsThirty-four subjects participated in this study (atopic dermatitis: 19 subjects; seborrheic dermatitis: 6 subjects; pityriasis capitis: 9 subjects). After 4 weeks of daily treatment with a pseudo-ceramide and eucalyptus extract-containing lotion, the skin symptoms had significantly improved in all patients with those skin diseases.ResultsSkin dryness, scaling, and erythema were significantly improved by treatment with the lotion. The moisture-retention ability of the scalp was significantly increased and itchiness, evaluated using a visual analog scale, decreased significantly. Accompanying those improvements was a significant improvement in the quality of life of the subjects, evaluated by the Skindex-16®.ConclusionFrom these results, we conclude that this pseudo-ceramide and eucalyptus extract-containing lotion effectively improved the dry and scaly conditions of the scalp as well as the quality of life of subjects with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or pityriasis capitis.

The threadlike micelle of a cationic surfactant: cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), containing anionic aromatic substances has been formed with unique rheological properties in strong electrolyte aqueous solutions and slurry using an inorganic powder such as cement. The threadlike micelle can be used as a high-efficiency viscosity agent for cement slurry.

Utilizing the thickening ability of threadlike micellar solution, which exhibits Maxwell-type viscoelastic behavior, we have developed a new thickening agent VISCOTOP for civil engineering usages. In contrast to usual thickening agent, VISCOTOP is able to increase viscosity of fresh concrete mixture without hardening retardation. In addition, we have found that VISCOTOP has various potential abilities in civil engineering usages because of its gel-like properties produced in the water. The cement slurry protected with VISCOTOP has unique properties; it can be poured into water without diffusion; it does not permeate into porous ground. The elastic property of VISCOTOP solution protects falling down of weak sand wall.

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