Anti-irritative effect of methylrosaniline chloride (Gentian violet).

BACKGROUND

There are no published studies of the effect of methylrosaniline chloride (MRC) on inflammation when used at the concentration recommended in the New German Formulary. A tissue-damaging effect has been described in animal studies and at higher concentrations in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether 0.5% MRC increases or reduces skin damage in irritative dermatitis.

METHODS

The study was carried out on the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) skin irritation model in 18 healthy volunteers. The impact of intermittent treatment with 0.5% MRC or drug-free vehicle on three SLS exposure effects was determined: reduction of stratum corneum water content (corneometry), increase in subpapillary blood flow (laser Doppler method) and barrier damage (transepidermal water loss).

RESULTS

MRC produced significant reductions in all three SLS exposure effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of irritative dermatitis with 0.5% MRC is expected to produce a high clinical efficacy not only because of the compound's established antimicrobial activity, but also because of its anti-irritative effect.