Open application assay in investigation of subclinical irritant dermatitis induced by sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in man: advantage of squamometry.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: After a single occlusive application (24 h patch test), SLS can cause irritation, dryness, and tightness. In typical use, clinical surfactant exposure is usually brief, of open application, and cumulative. The open application model becomes relevant when phenomena, such as dryness and subclinical, i.e., non-visible, irritation are induced.

METHODS

Exaggerated hand wash was performed in a total of 21 healthy individuals. Signs of skin irritation were scored, and skin reactions were measured using various bioengineering techniques.

RESULTS

These studies demonstrate that an exaggerated hand wash model permits exploration of sub-clinical irritation.

CONCLUSIONS

Squamometry proved to be a sensitive, complementary method to detect surfactant-induced, sub-clinical skin alterations.