title: Differences in Cutaneous Irritation of Five Commonly Used Topical Products.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Irritation, such as burning and stinging, on the site of application, is a common side effect of topical dermatologic products including creams, lotions, sprays, and foams. This effect may be more pronounced when applying products to atopic or psoriatic skin. The composition of the vehicle may affect the extent of the irritation. This study compared the irritation and erythema potential of 7 different topical dermatologic products to determine the products with the least likelihood of causing discomfort when applied.<br/>
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven sites on the anterior leg of 30 subjects were dry shaven with 10 upward strokes. Subjects rated the stinging of petrolatum (negative control), isopropyl alcohol (positive control), Cetaphil Lotion, triamcinolone 0.1% cream, triamcinolone 0.2% spray, betamethasone foam, and clobetasol 0.05% spray, 1 minute after product application, using a scale of 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (intolerable stinging/burning). The investigator assessed erythema at the sites 30 minutes after application of the products using a scale of 0 (none) to 4 (severe).<br/>
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stinging rating score of each product was statistically significant from one another. Petrolatum produced the least stinging (0) and isopropyl alcohol the most (10). Stinging with triamcinolone spray, Cetaphil Lotion, and triamcinolone cream ranked in the lower half of the rating scale (all below 5). Betamethasone foam and clobetal spray ranked the highest at &gt;7. When corrected for the erythema caused by shaving, triamcinolone spray and Cetaphil Lotion produced the least amount of erythema of all the products tested.<br/>
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rapid evaporation of the volatile vehicle of triamcinolone spray and the non-irriating nature of the medication left behind may contribute to its low erythema and stinging. This product may be an appropriate choice for patients with compromised skin but who require the advantages and conveniences of a spray vehicle. <br /><br /> <em>J Drugs Dermatol.</em> 2016;15(7):870-873.
authors.forename: Zoe Diana
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Draelos
mesh_terms: D019840:2-Propanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D010577:Petrolatum / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011897:Random Allocation; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D011409:Propylene Glycols; C011189:cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate non-lipid cleansing lotion; D014221:Triamcinolone; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D010577:Petrolatum; D001623:Betamethasone; D002990:Clobetasol; D019840:2-Propanol