On the course of the irritant reaction after irritation with sodium lauryl sulphate.

BACKGROUND

The sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) irritation test is a well-established model for irritant contact dermatitis after the effects of surfactants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The course of changes in corneometric measurements (stratum corneum hydration), in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), in laser Doppler measurements (epidermal perfusion) and in colorimetric measurements (skin redness), after a single SLS irritation, should be studied over time.

METHODS

Twenty healthy volunteers were studied. Irritation with 1% SLS solution was applied to the side of one forearm for 24 h under occlusive conditions, while the symmetrical experimental site remained untreated. Measurements were made for 9 days after completion of SLS irritation.

RESULTS

Stratum corneum hydration was reduced immediately after irritation, and subsequently a hyper-hydration was observed. The increase in TEWL, laser Doppler measurements and skin redness persisted for 7-9 days. With regard to skin redness, a mild blanching effect was noticeable after 9 days.

DISCUSSION

The evidence of very short-term exsiccation of the stratum corneum with persistent barrier damage, as well as reactive hyper-hydration and blanching of the skin, is remarkable. These first findings suggest that exsiccation of the stratum corneum is not caused by a damage to barrier lipids.