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Local toxicity
Author(s) -
Stoughton R. B.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1002/cpt1974165part2964
Subject(s) - toxicity , sensitization , broad spectrum , bacteria , chemistry , toxicology , biology , immunology , organic chemistry , genetics , combinatorial chemistry
Local toxicity covers a wide range of possible injuries to the skin as well as to the underlying organism to which it happens to offer a protective enclosure. There are chemical and physical factors such as acids, alkalis, strong solvents, heat, cold, electromagnetic energy, and ultrasound that can damage the skin. Some chemicals can induce sensitization of the subject so that what were previously innocuous contacts with the agent become highly damaging on future contact and lead to disabling, painful, and pruritic eruptions. A wide spectrum of microorganisms are capable of invading and disrupting the normal functions of skin (fungi, bacteria, spirochetes, viruses). Severe systemic toxicity can be initiated solely by skin contact with some toxic chemicals, and these toxic agents may be much more damaging locally and systemically if they are in intimate contact with hydrated, warm, and macerated areas.