EVALUATION OF ELASTOMER FOR USE IN FACIAL PROSTHESES AFTER EXPOSURE TO SKIN SECRETIONS, SUNSCREEN AND DISINFECTANT AGENT.

Objective. This study evaluates the influence of sweat, sebum, sunscreen, and disinfectant on the color stability and hardness of elastomers for facial prostheses. Study Design. Intrinsically pigmented specimens remained in contact with human skin for 30 days, considering exposures (n=36/group), absent (Control, C); sweat and oiliness (SO); sweat and oiliness associated with sunscreen (SOS); 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CD0.12%); all agents (SOSCD). The variables were color change (CIELab and NBS) and shore A hardness measured at baseline and 30 days. Qualitative analyses were performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results. CD0.12% (1.54±0.49; p<0.001) and SOSCD (2.10±1.03; p<0.001) had similar effects and caused the smallest color changes, considered mild and noticeable clinical perception (NBS), respectively. SOS promoted the greatest color change (6.99±1.43; p<0.001, NBS: large) and hardness (17.97±0.56; p<0.001). Qualitative analyses represent quantitative results. Conclusion. Endogenous and exogenous factors are capable of altering elastomer properties. The 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate minimized the changes caused by sweat, sebum, and sunscreen. Understanding the action of endogenous and exogenous agents capable of influencing the stability of elastomer properties for facial prostheses can contribute to increasing the longevity of these materials.