Comparison testing of the irritancy of children's liquid bubble bath using a modified human repeat insult patch test.

BACKGROUND

Bubble baths are common products used by parents with young children. Some dermatologists and pediatricians do not recommend the use of these products.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the irritancy of nine children's liquid bubble bath solutions.

METHODS

A modified human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) was used to rank order the irritancy of nine bubble bath preparations. Erythema, scaling, and fissuring were evaluated at the patch test sites.

RESULTS

The nine products tested varied in their ability to cause irritation. Based on the degree of erythema, the least irritation was produced with Sesame Street Fresh Apple Splash bubble bath.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that there are differences in the irritancy of brands of children's liquid bubble bath and that recommendations can be made by both dermatologists and pediatricians when parents choose to use these products on their children.