visions

Between 1950 and 1953 Dr. med. Heinz Maurer was working as assistant at the Dermatology department of the University of Bonn. It was there, where he had his vital key experience. The young doctor experienced how patients with eczema were suffering from a prohibition to wash themselves. Washing with water or the usual soap additionally excited and afflicted the irritated skin which made washing impossible for patients with skin diseases. This ban on washing did not improve the situation and made it nearly unbearable for both, patients and medical staff. His own research as well as already existent studies carried out in America supported his quest for a skin friendly alternative to soap. During an absence of the Clinic Director Maurer and a Senior Resident Physician decided to realize a trial with a soap free cleanser. The medical success and the relief for patients achieved proved that his assumption had been correct. The eczema skin of patients overcame the bath without further irritation. The skin became even more receptive to further therapy treatment. This experiment executed against the will of the Clinic Director had serious consequences for both physicians. The Senior Resident Physician was dismissed, Dr. Maurer transferred. This put an abrupt end to the doctor's dream of a University career. But also after changing the industry Dr. med. Maurer did not loose his vision of a soap substitution with a slightly acidic pH value.