Efficacy of a new class of perfluoropolyethers in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis.
Perfluoropolyethers (Fomblin HC products) are chemical non-reactive polymers with special physico-chemical properties that recently showed promise as protective preparations in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis. We evaluated the efficacy of a new class of perfluoropolyethers (perfluoropolyether phosphate, Fomblin HC/P2) in the prevention of experimentally induced cumulative irritant contact dermatitis if applied prior to irritation. A panel of 20 healthy volunteers was tested with a repetitive irritation test using 4 standard irritants (sodium lauryl sulphate of highest purity, sodium hydroxide, lactic acid and toluene) in a randomized double-blind study. Application sites were assessed clinically and by the use of bioengineering techniques (transepidermal water loss and chromametry). Three gel preparations each containing 5% perfluoropolyether phosphate showed significant efficacy against irritation due to sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium hydroxide, while one test preparation containing 2% showed inferior benefit, indicating a dose-related effect. Preparations containing perfluoropolyether phosphates can be recommended for workplaces with water-soluble irritants. Further studies under real workplace conditions are indicated.
Schliemann-Willers
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S
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany. schliemann@derma.uni-jena.de
Wigger-Alberti
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W
Elsner
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P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D009823:Ointment Bases; D009824:Ointments; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D014050:Toluene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible
D005466:Fluorocarbons; D005782:Gels; D007509:Irritants; D009823:Ointment Bases; D009824:Ointments; D019344:Lactic Acid; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D014050:Toluene; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide