title: Dermatological testing of an emollient-treated menstrual pad with a novel foam absorbent core.
abstract: Dermatological testing was used to assess the skin compatibility of a menstrual pad with an emollient-treated surface layer and a novel, polymeric absorbent foam core. The test program included: 1) skin patch tests to assess cumulative skin irritation, 2) human repeat insult patch tests to assess the potential for contact sensitization, and 3) repeated application to the popliteal fossa ("behind-the-knee" test) to assess combined chemical irritation and frictional effects. Studies showed the new product and its components to be as mild to skin as other commercially available materials with no evidence for the induction of delayed contact hypersensitivity. Pads with an emollient-based topsheet finish were milder to the skin than pads with a conventional topsheet finish. The test program provides reassurance that the skin compatibility of the new menstrual pad is similar to that of conventional marketed pads with a history of safe use and consumer acceptance.
authors.affiliation: The Procter & Gamble Company, Feminine and Adult Care Innovation Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224, USA. farage.m@pg.com
authors.forename: Miranda A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Farage
authors.forename: Vanessa Silva
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Segarra
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bramante
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elsner
authors.forename: Howard I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Maibach
mesh_terms: D041342:Absorbent Pads / Q000009:adverse effects; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; D004643:Emollients / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004643:Emollients