[Focusing on a test to evaluate the efficacy of skin barrier creams].

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to adjust an experimental protocol with the rabbit to control the skin barrier creams efficacy.

ELABORATE TECHNIQUE: Therefore, we applied irritant aqueous solutions and solvents on the shaved skin of the rabbit flank protected with one of these creams. We noticed inflammatory reactions of erythema and oedema but we also conducted an histological examination of the treated skin.

DISCUSSION: This protocol is simple, there is no investment with equipment and only a few number of rabbits are required. There is only a difficulty with applying the same volume of cream since cream consistency is variable and makes the comparison between the different creams quite delicate. This method should be supported by well-controlled studies between several laboratories.