It was the aim of our studies to estimate predictively the individual
eczema risk for persons due to repetitive contact with washing-active
substances, by a barrier function test on clinically healthy skin over
2 weeks. Within the scope of the study 3 groups with different atopy
scores were compared. As washing solutions, 0.1 m SLS and a slightly a
cid soap-free washing emulsion were used in comparison to tap water. P
rior to the Ist washing procedure, on days 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12, the tr
ansepidermal water loss, the horny layer moisture, and the skin blood
flow were measured as parameters of barrier function, as well as the i
nflammatory reaction. The results prove that the atopy score has only
limited validity as a predictive method for the acceptance of washing-
active substances. The repetitive washing test, however, seems to be m
ore adequate for evaluating the individual barrier function as well as
the eczema risk. Irritation by a washing procedure may be greatly inf
luenced by choice of the washing solution. (C) Munksgaard, 1998.