Effects of various grit-containing cleansers on skin barrier function

Development of a standardized testing procedure for assessing the irritation potential of occupational skin cleansers

BACKGROUND

Frequent skin cleaning fulfils the definition of occupational 'wet work'. Standardized methods are required to assess the irritation potential of workplace cleansers.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a standardized procedure for testing the irritation potential of occupational skin cleansers.

METHODS

In this single-blind, single-centre trial in 25 healthy volunteers, the irritation potential of five generic reference cleansers was tested by three-times-daily washing with an automated skin cleaning device for 4 days, and quantification of cumulative skin barrier damage was performed by visual scoring, chromametry, transepidermal water loss TEWL, and corneometry. For two cleansers, reproducibility of the irritancy assessment was assessed. Furthermore, the irritation induced by four commercial workplace skin cleansers was studied.

RESULTS

Whereas no significant changes were observed for any of the tested cleansers by either visual scoring or chromametry, significant increases in TEWL and significant decreases in stratum corneum hydration were found for all cleansers. Cleansers differed significantly in their irritation potential. On retesting of two cleansers, the first results were confirmed. Among the four commercial cleansers, one that was claimed to be mild was found to be disproportionally irritant.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented model for testing cleansing preparations allows a highly controlled, practically relevant and reproducible irritancy assessment of occupational skin cleansers.

Cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit pulp extract. II. Study of cumulative irritation effects in human

BACKGROUND

Cleansing lotion containing extract of tamarind fruit pulp was developed to provide skin a lighter effect. Skin irritation may occur due to keratolytic effect of alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHA) in the tamarind fruit pulp extract.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cumulative irritation effect of cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit extract with 2% (w/w) tartaric acid on human skin compared with placebo product and de-ionized water.

METHODS

The study design was a single-blinded, randomized side of arm, and controlled study. Three samples, including test product, placebo product, and de-ionized water, were repeatedly applied on the inner forearm of 15 healthy females (aged 28.3 +/- 3.1 years) for 30 min daily for 5 days under semi-occlusive patch. Skin irritation was measured by using visual scoring and instruments such as Tewameter and Mexameter. All measurements were done before application of samples every day from day 1 until day 5. Final measurements were done after the last application for 3 days (day 8).

RESULTS

The results obtained from the visual scoring scale indicated no irritation signs and symptoms of test product. Mean differences of transepidermal water loss and erythema values between test product and de-ionized water and between test and placebo products were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate a preliminary safety evidence of our developed cleansing lotion containing the natural AHAs and can be used as cumulative evidence for supporting the future home use study of this product in human.

Prediction of irritancy in the human skin irritancy model and occupational setting

It is of great importance to find ways to lower the incidence of chronic irritant contact dermatitis. In this process, it is crucial to have insight in the factors that can predict irritancy. This review offers a survey of recent findings in the field of skin irritancy testing, discussed in the context of renowned, older work. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors that may determine the outcome of irritancy testing in the human skin model are considered. In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in factors influencing the development of occupational dermatitis by means of prospective cohort studies. This promising new area of investigation is discussed separately.

Skin cleansers for occupational use: testing the skin compatibility of different formulations

OBJECTIVES

Skin-compatible hand cleansing is crucial for the prevention of occupational dermatitis. In this article we give an overview of skin-cleansing products and their ingredients and investigate whether solvents or abrasives could be avoided in cleansers for severely soiled skin.

METHODS

Comparison of skin compatibility, cleansing power and effectiveness of different formulations of skin cleansers was performed via Duhring chamber tests [visual score, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)] and standard hand-wash tests.

RESULTS

The results show that, dependent on the grade of contamination, a range of skin cleansers that allow adequate skin cleansing, is necessary. Solvents could be avoided, by the use of powerful cleansing systems based on tenside/oil mixtures. Only for special contaminations may solvents be useful. Powerful cleansing activity could be performed without abrasives.

CONCLUSIONS

The worker must be able to choose the skin cleanser that is adequate for the contamination that is present. Therefore, information and education of the workers are crucial for skin-compatible skin cleansing.