Actual Causes of Certain Occupational Dermatoses

Soap and the Skin

“…Theoretically, however, a true sensitization to one of the many chemical substances added to soap might occur, such as anti-oxidants, "builders," antiseptics, abrasives, and perfumes. Klauder and Gross (1951) found no evidence of sensitization in 75 cases of dermatitis of the hand attributed to the use of soaps and detergents. Jambor (1955) investigated the role of soaps and detergents as primary irritants, and found that the degree of skin damage due to hydration was proportional to the duration of skin alkalinity after immersion.…”

Some Effects of Soap on the Skin

“…Much greater difficulty arises in respect of frankly eczematous lesions with vesiculation or weeping. Klauder and Gross (1951) stated that 13% of their cases of industrial dermatitis were due to soap and water or to similar cleansers. Downing (1939) blamed soap and water as a contributing factor in nearly a quarter of his cases, and mentioned soap as the primary hazard in hotel and restaurant workers.…”

“…Effect of Prolonged Exposure Klauder and Gross (1951) made particularly valuable observations on the effects of more prolonged exposure. They found that after ordinary washing the pH was restored to normal in threc-quarters to two and a half hours.…”

The Effects of a Soap-Free Cleansing Agent on the pH of Skin

“…Bernstein and Hermann (1942) found that the usual washing with ordinary soap raised the pH by 1 to 1-5 units and that it took three and a half hours for the normal pH to be restored. Klauder and Gross (1951) found that after ordinary washing the pH was restored to normal in three-quarters to two and a half hours. When excessive washing of the skin (bakers, food handlers, etc.)…”

“…(l 940) described a series of 239 cases of soap dermatitis in housewives. Klauder and Gross (1951) stated that 13 % of their cases of industrial dermatitis were due to soap and water. The exact cause of this effect is not known (Bettley and Donoghue, 1960), but it often arises when they are used in concentrations many times greater than those recommended.The concentration of free alkali was believed to be the most important factor but Klauder and Gross found that alkali sensitivity was an attribute of the eczematous skin and might not be the expression of a selective dysfunction of the skin since the alkali neutralization and sensitivity tests of Burckhardt were positive in patients with diffuse eczem.a unrelated to alkah exposure.…”