Influence of temperature on irritation in the hand/forearm immersion test

Abstract

As indicated by in vitro experiments the penetration of irritants through the skin is significantly influenced by the temperature of the solution. In vivo experiments, demonstrated equally a significant influence of temperature in surfactant-induced skin irritation. In order to evaluate the irritant potential of detergent solutions under normal user conditions, we used the hand/forearm immersion test. We compared 2 detergents with different anionic character in a repetitive immersion protocol (30 min immersion on 4 consecutive days). The solutions were tested at 2 temperatures (37 degrees C and 40 degrees C). The irritation was quantified by assessment of the stratum corneum barrier function (transepidermal water loss), skin redness (a* colour parameter) and skin dryness (capacitance method). Both detergents affected the integrity of the skin in a significant way. The anionic content as well as the temperature of the solutions were found to be determinative for the irritant potential, with a stronger response for higher anionic content and temperature, respectively.

EEMCO Guidance for the Assessment of Transepidermal Water Loss in Cosmetic Sciences

“…Intact skin has a fully functional barrier and TEWL values measured are usually rather low. In chemically or physically damaged skin [14][15][16][17] and in certain cases of diseased skin [18] water loss rates increase. These changes usually relate well to the degree of impairment.…”

Sequential application of cold and sodium lauryl sulphate decreases irritation and barrier disruption in vivo in humans

“…Other studies have shown that irritants tested at higher temperatures increase barrier damage 2,3 , 30,31 . Rothenborg et al 31 .…”

“…Endogenous risk factors include atopic skin diathesis, respiratory atopy and being female and young 1 . Besides washing procedures such as a high frequency of hand washing, aggressive use of hot water 2,3 and scrubbing, cumulative exposure to one or more chemical irritants 4 and insufficient skin protection 5,6 are causes of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). The most important factor for occupational contact dermatitis is the exposure to irritants.…”

Irritant Dermatitis

“…Several studies evaluating irritancy of surfactants, perfumes, and detergents demonstrated increased irritation with increased temperature (Berardesca et al, 1995;Clarys …”