[Christmas article: The dermatologist's Christmas palette - an experimental study of Christmas decorations with...

Dermatological topical agents are usually valued for their pharmacological effects, yet their aesthetic Christmas potential remains unexplored. This study tested seven coloured topical agents (tar, methylrosaniline, potassium permanganate, cadexomer iodine, silver nitrate, ferric sulfate and ketoconazole shampoo) as alternative Christmas decorations.

Preparations were applied to terracotta baubles and a pork roast, and their Christmas aesthetics were rated on a five-point scale by colleagues at department of Dermatology and Venereology at Aarhus University Hospital.

All products produced visible colouring but presented practical challenges: prolonged drying (iodine, silver nitrate, ferric sulfate, ketoconazole), difficult consistency (iodine, ferric sulfate), strong odour (tar) and heavy straining (methylrosaniline). Methylrosaniline, potassium permanganate and ketoconazole achieved the highest aesthetic scores, whereas iodine was least suitable due to poor appearance, dying time and cost. The study has limitations: pork roast is not representative for all kinds of food or human skin, and safety concerns preclude ingestion. Certain preparations, including methylrosaniline and potassium permanganate, have documented systemic toxicity when ingested.

Dermatology's colourful topical agents show unexpected potential for festive Christmas decoration. Further research should address durability, safety, and optimization of practical properties - possibly in combination with glitter.