Emollients in a propanol-based hand rub can significantly decrease irritant contact dermatitis.
The objective of this study is to determine the effect of emollients in a propanol-based hand rub on skin dryness and erythema. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, 35 subjects participated; of them approximately half were atopic (modified Erlanger atopy score > or =8). 2 propanol-based formulations were tested in a repeated open application test, 1 contained a mixture of emollients (0.81%, w/w). 2 aliquots of 0.7 ml of each formulation were applied twice per day over 2 weeks to the cubital fossa of each subject after random assignment of the preparations. Treatment areas were assessed before each application and 3 days postfinal application by visual inspection for erythema and dryness according to a standard scale. The sum score over all assessment time-points served as primary parameter. The mean sum score for erythema and dryness was significantly lower for the hand rub with emollients (0.8 +/- 2.4) in comparison with that for the hand rub without emollients (1.5 +/- 3.5; P = 0.022; Wilcoxon signed rank test). A comparison of the atopic and non-atopic subjects revealed no significant difference for any of the products (P > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U-test). It is concluded that the addition of emollients to a propanol-based hand rub can significantly decrease irritant contact dermatitis under frequent-use conditions.
Kampf
Günter
G
Bode Chemie GmbH & Co., Scientific Affairs, Melanchthonstr. 27, 22525 Hamburg, Germany. guenter.kampf@bode-chemie.de
Wigger-Alberti
Walter
W
Schoder
Volker
V
Wilhelm
Klaus-Peter
KP
D000328:Adult; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004643:Emollients / Q000032:analysis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020005:Propanols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004643:Emollients; D020005:Propanols