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Effects of disinfectants and detergents on skin irritation
Author(s) -
Slotosch Caroline M.,
Kampf Günter,
Löffler Harald
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.01200.x
Subject(s) - transepidermal water loss , irritation , erythema , lotion , irritant contact dermatitis , alcohol , distilled water , patch test , skin irritation , chemistry , dermatology , disinfectant , contact dermatitis , stratum corneum , chromatography , allergy , medicine , pathology , organic chemistry , immunology
We investigated the biological response of regular human skin to alcohol‐based disinfectants and detergents in a repetitive test design. Using non‐invasive diagnostic tools such as transepidermal water loss, laser‐Doppler flowmetry and corneometry, we quantified the irritative effects of a propanol‐based hand disinfectant (Sterillium ® ), its propanol mixture (2‐propanol 45% w/w and 1‐propanol 30% w/w), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 0.5% and distilled water. The substances were applied in a 2‐D patch test in a repetitive occlusive test design to the back. Additionally, we performed a wash test on the forearms that was supposed to mimic the skin affection in the normal daily routine of health care workers. In this controlled half‐side test design, we included the single application of the hand rub, SLS 0.5% and water as well as a tandem application of the same substances. Patch test and wash test showed similar results. The alcohol‐based test preparations showed minimal irritation rather comparable to the application of water. However, the detergent SLS produced stronger barrier disruption, erythema and dryness than the alcohol‐based preparations. There was no additional irritation at the combined use of SLS and disinfectants. By contrary, there was even a decrease in barrier disruption and erythema induced by the tandem application of SLS followed by alcohol‐based disinfection compared with the use of SLS alone. These findings show a less irritant effect of alcohol‐based disinfectants on the skin than detergents. Our study shows that there is no summation of irritating effects of a common detergent and propanol and that the combination of washing and disinfection has a rather protective aspect compared with washing alone.