Histological assessment of skin damage by irritants: its possible use in the evaluation of a 'barrier cream'.

The histological changes induced by topical application of selected irritants are reported. The possible application of this methodology to the evaluation of the protective value of a silicone-containing barrier cream is discussed. Although this crude method only allows objectivity of the later stages of a toxic reaction, it gives useful information about the potential protective effect of a silicone-containing barrier cream.