Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40125032›Full record

ReviewIndian dermatology online journal

Role of Polyethylene Glycol in Dermatology.

Varniraj Patel, Vishal Gaurav

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Indian dermatology online journal. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
9citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

9 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Article
  6. Review
  7. [Drug Excipients. Necessary, but not Harmless].Farmaceuticos comunitarios · 2025
    Review
  8. Review
  9. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Varniraj PatelDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
Vishal GauravDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, India.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used in dermatology due to its excellent solubility, nontoxic nature, and compatibility with various therapeutic agents. Its applications extend from moisturizing creams to chemical peels, improving skin hydration and facilitating drug delivery. Despite its broad utility, PEG is associated with hypersensitivity reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis, that necessitates a thorough assessment of its safety profile. This review evaluates PEG's therapeutic roles, safety, and dermatological applications, focusing on its pharmacokinetics, chemical properties, and potential adverse effects. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, SciVerse, and EMBASE databases to identify studies on PEG's dermatological uses, including its role in treating psoriasis, acne, ichthyosis, fungal infections, wound healing, and cosmeceuticals. Studies addressing PEG's allergenic potential were also reviewed, focusing on cutaneous reactions and rare anaphylactic events. Articles in English, published until June 2024, were included in this narrative review. Results: PEG's emollient and humectant properties make it valuable in treating psoriasis, where it enhances corticosteroid delivery and reduces erythema and scaling. In acne, PEG-based salicylic acid peels offer controlled exfoliation with minimal irritation. PEG's hydrating properties also benefit ichthyosis and wound healing by maintaining moisture and delivering antibacterial agents. In cosmetics, PEG functions as an emulsifier, surfactant, and conditioner. However, hypersensitivity risks, including urticaria and anaphylaxis, require cautious use, especially for allergy-prone individuals. Conclusion: PEG's properties make it a useful dermatological component, though awareness of hypersensitivity risks is essential for safe clinical use. Further studies are needed to understand PEG-induced hypersensitivity and to guide safety protocols.

Indexed as

Dermatological applicationsdrug deliveryhypersensitivity reactionspharmacologyskin hydration

Identifiers

PMID40125032
PMCPMC11927971

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.