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Rapid blister formation in human skin with ammonium hydroxide
Author(s) -
FROSCH PETER J.,
KLIGMAN ALBERT M.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1977.tb07148.x
Subject(s) - blisters , stratum corneum , ammonium hydroxide , dermatology , human skin , medicine , aqueous solution , ammonium , sodium hydroxide , chemistry , pathology , biology , immunology , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , genetics
SUMMARY The topical application to human skin of a 1:1 aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide in a well drilled into a plastic block will provoke an infra‐epidermal blister in an average time of about 13 min. The blister roof can be used for physico‐chemical analyses of the horny layer while the base is suitable for studies of wound healing, bacterial infections, etc. The minimal blistering time (MBT) increases directly as the number of cell layers of the stratum corneum and ranges from 3 to 57 min in different regions and persons. The intensity of the dermatitis provoked by a 24 h exposure to sodium lauryl sulphate is strongly correlated with the MBT. The latter is therefore a reliable measure of cutaneous irritability. The blisters are virtually painless. The inflammatory reaction clinically and histologically is slight. Healing is rapid without scarring.