Effect of patch type on the cumulative irritation potential of 4 test materials.
BACKGROUND
Many different patch systems are available for predicting contact dermatitis. It is important to determine the ideal patch to meet the objective of the testing method.


OBJECTIVE
The 21-day cumulative irritation test is well accepted for predicting irritation after repeated exposures. The patch type must allow separation of materials to predict irritation potential in the marketplace. Three patch systems were compared to determine which best provides this separation and prediction.


METHODS
Four test materials were evaluated using 3 patch systems in a 21-day cumulative irritation test. Tested were water, 0.06% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and 2 underarm products (UAP), one having lower and one having higher irritation potential. The patch types were; Webril pad and 8-mm and 12-mm Finn Chambers.


RESULTS
Both the 12-mm Finn Chamber and Webril pad showed the ability to differentiate the higher irritating UAP and the 0.06% SLS from the lower irritation UAP product and water. The 8-mm Finn chamber was less discriminating, showing the 0.06% SLS to be the same as water and the lower-irritating UAP.


CONCLUSIONS
The Webril pad and the 12-mm Finn Chamber are better at discriminating irritation potential than is the 8-mm Finn Chamber. The 12-mm Finn Chamber might also allow discrimination with a lower degree of irritation.
Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ 08855-1343, USA.
D M
DM
Bagley
E K
EK
Boisits
T L
TL
Spriggs
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S
Schwartz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000592:standards*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects
D003358:Cosmetics; D007509:Irritants; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; C028913:dodecyl sulfate