Moisturizers are used for the treatment of dry and irritated skin. The bene
fit of moisturizers when used on normal skin has recently been challenged,
since an earlier study indicated that the increased hydration that follows
long-term use of moisturizers on normal skin may facilitate penetration of
irritants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate short-term use of 2
different moisturizers used on normal skin: cream A thigh lipid content) a
nd B (moderate/low lipid content). Nineteen healthy volunteers applied the
moisturizers on the upper arm/forearm 3 times daily for 5 days, while the o
ther upper arm/forearm served as symmetrical control. The day after moistur
izer treatment was stopped the skin was challenged with a patch test of sod
ium lauryl sulphate. Skin reactions were evaluated by bioengineering measur
ing methods and clinical scoring. Skin response to sodium lauryl sulphate w
as increased on moisturizer-treated arms compared to controls for one of th
e moisturizer (cream A), while this was not statistically significant for t
he other moisturizer (cream B). Data confirm previous indications that some
moisturizers when used on normal skin may increase skin susceptibitity to
irritants.