Evaluation of an experimental patch test model for the detection of irritant skin reactions to moisturisers

Background/aims: Moisturisers are used daily by a large number of people to prevent dryness of the skin. Irritant skin reactions to moisturisers are, however, known to occur. In order to prevent such irritant reactions reliab le test methods for irritancy testing of moisturisers are needed. This stud y was undertaken to evaluate a non-invasive patch test model for the detect ion of irritant skin reactions to moisturisers. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were patch tested with three different m oisturisers: empty chamber, sodium lauryl sulphate and a moisturizer known to be non-irritating. Skin reactions were evaluated by visual scoring, meas urement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by an Evaporimeter, blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry and electrical capacitance by a Comeometer. Results: A statistically significant increase in blood flow was found 48 h after application of one of the moisturisers tested, indicating an irritant effect of the product. A statistically significant decrease in skin hydrat ion was found for the same moisturiser after 48 h. No statistically signifi cant differences between the moisturisers were found by visual scoring. Non e of the products tested had any negative effect on the skin barrier functi on. Conclusion: The non-invasive patch test model was found useful for detectin g irritant skin reactions to moisturisers.