title: Patterns of aluminum hydroxychloride deposition onto the skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aluminum hydroxychloride (AlCl(3) ) is an antiperspirant.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To revisit the AlCl(3) deposition in vivo and in vitro on glass slides and stratum corneum (SC) harvested by cyanoacrylate skin surface strippings (CSSS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was assessed following application of 5% AlCl(3) on the forearms. The AlCl(3) -coated skin, glass slides and CSSS were observed using two ultraviolet light-emitting CCD cameras in order to record changes in specular reflectance related to AlCl(3) deposition. In addition, the corneoxenometry bioassay was performed in order to predict AlCl(3) irritation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AlCl(3) deposited on glass slides looked as linear threads and rings of similar sizes. AlCl(3) deposits on skin were almost restricted inside the microrelief lines and as annular deposits at their crossings where acrosyringia are opening. After daily AlCl(3) applications, deposits extended on the CSSS plateaus. At rest in absence of sweating, TEWL was decreased following AlCl(3) applications. During physical exercise, the TEWL increase was limited on the AlCl(3) areas. CSSS appeared unreactive to AlCl(3) at the corneoxenometry bioassay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The similar aspect of AlCl(3) deposits on human SC and on glass slides suggested a physical property of AlCl(3) . Repetitive applications of AlCl(3) increased both the deposit area and the barrier function.
authors: Biomedical Science Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
authors: Géraldine
authors: G
authors: Mayeux
authors: Emmanuelle
authors: E
authors: Xhauflaire-Uhoda
authors: Gérald E
authors: GE
authors: Piérard
mesh_terms: D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D051520:Antiperspirants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D051520:Antiperspirants; D010710:Phosphates; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; C069096:aluminum hydroxyphosphate