[Modern detergents and their application in pediatrics]

During the past half of this century there has been a tremendous development of chemical products. Their application in every day life is widespread, and problems arose summarized under the term of civilisation damages. An important aspect is the effect of detergents on human skin. Every day more than 100 million people have contact with surface active substances--an influence on the physiologic steady state of the skin or its protective mechanisms was thought to be possible. After reviewing the relevant literature of the past ten years following conclusions can be drawn: As to the problem of tolerance we can say that there is no objection against the use of anionactive detergents. Under extreme conditions, e.g. constitutional anomalies, or intense application on previously damaged skin, injury of the skin can be observed. In the age group between 6 and 12 years there exists no difference in the resistance against alkali or acids in comparison to adults. It has not been demonstrated yet, however, whether the buffering capacity is already active in the skin of the newborn, or when it becomes effective after birth. We can recommend the use of modern detergents in pediatrics, they represent an important part of modern hygiene in childhood, especially in infancy. For optimal efficacy one has to adjust the substance to every constitutional skin type and to preexisting skin damages.