Anti-irritative effect of methylrosaniline chloride (Gentian violet).
BACKGROUND
There are no published studies of the effect of methylrosaniline chloride (MRC) on inflammation when used at the concentration recommended in the New German Formulary. A tissue-damaging effect has been described in animal studies and at higher concentrations in humans.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether 0.5% MRC increases or reduces skin damage in irritative dermatitis.


METHODS
The study was carried out on the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) skin irritation model in 18 healthy volunteers. The impact of intermittent treatment with 0.5% MRC or drug-free vehicle on three SLS exposure effects was determined: reduction of stratum corneum water content (corneometry), increase in subpapillary blood flow (laser Doppler method) and barrier damage (transepidermal water loss).


RESULTS
MRC produced significant reductions in all three SLS exposure effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of irritative dermatitis with 0.5% MRC is expected to produce a high clinical efficacy not only because of the compound's established antimicrobial activity, but also because of its anti-irritative effect.
Gloor
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Klinikum der Stadt Karlsruhe, Germany. mgloor@onlinehome.de
Wolnicki
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005840:Gentian Violet / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D013997:Time Factors
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D005840:Gentian Violet