Fluoride toothpaste: a cause of acne-like eruptions

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Fluoride; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1976.01630310079027· OSTI ID:5118510

Saunders, Jr, M A

The author described closed comedonal or papular acne in about 65 adult females, aged 20 to 40, in a slightly fan-like distribution on the corner of the mouth and the chin and the proximal area of the cheeks. All patients had had extensive dermatological treatment including dietary control, tetracycline special washing agents, etc. The localization of the lesions suggested to the author that some kind of chemical carried in the saliva might be draining in the areas and in the follicles of the skin and induce this process. In view of the fact that erythematous eruptions resembling acne have been described following application of fluoridated steroids and after exposure to industrial halogram fumes the author suggested that his patients switch to a nonfluoridated toothpaste. In approximately one half of the patients, the lesions cleared within two to four weeks. When the remaining patients were asked to switch from their dentrifice containing brightening and other unknown chemicals, to baking soda and a commercially available mouthwash, nearly all those treated improved considerably; in most of them the acne-like eruptions cleared up completely. Several patients were concerned about their dental health and resumed the use of fluoride toothpaste; they promptly developed the same distribution of the acne-like eruption that had previously been present.

• OSTI ID: 5118510
• Journal Information: Fluoride; (United States), Journal Name: Fluoride; (United States) Vol. 9:2; ISSN FLUOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL LOCALIZATION
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BODY
BODY AREAS
BODY FLUIDS
DIAGNOSIS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
FACE
FEMALES
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HEAD
MATERIALS
ORAL CAVITY
PATHOGENESIS
PATIENTS
SALIVA
SKIN DISEASES
TEETH