No abstract

Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic widely used in dermatology. In vitro experiments showed a certain cytotoxicity, yet it is not easy to transfer these toxicological data to in vivo circumstances. In vivo investigations in animals and in humans could exclude cytotoxic effects of povidone-iodine, measured by the wound healing process. Only when administered in combination with detergents was an obvious cytotoxicity seen in wounds but not on the intact skin. In comparison to the frequently used antibiotic neomycin, the sensitization rate of povidone-iodine is very low.

Topical vitamin B(12) is a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis. These results document a significant superiority of vitamin B(12) cream in comparison with placebo with regard to the reduction of the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the treatment was very well tolerated and involved only very low safety risks for the patients.