Fruit acids and sodium hydroxide in the food industry and their combined effect with sodium lauryl sulphate: controlled in vivo tandem irritation study

Autor: Lora G. Bankova, D. Kelterer, S. Schliemann-Willers, J. Norgauer, J W Fluhr, S. Fuchs, R. Grieshaber, Peter Elsner, P. Kleesz
Rok vydání: 2004
Předmět:
Zdroj: British Journal of Dermatology. 151:1039-1048
ISSN: 1365-2133
0007-0963
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06169.x
Popis: Summary Background Cutaneous exposure to a variety of irritants has been extensively studied in recent years. Nevertheless, knowledge of the induction of irritant dermatitis, especially by mild irritants at low doses and for a short duration of exposure, is still incomplete. Objectives To quantify the irritant effects and barrier disruption properties of ascorbic acid (ASC), acetic acid (ACA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), particularly in combination with an anionic detergent, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Methods In a tandem repeated irritation test, the irritants were applied for 30 min twice daily for 4 days to the skin of the mid-back of 19 healthy volunteers of both sexes. We used bioengineering techniques for measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin colour reflectance, as well as visual scoring. Results Repeated application of ASC and ACA caused a moderate increase in TEWL and erythema. The sequential application of ASC or ACA and SLS enhanced these effects. NaOH induced a strong reaction when applied both occlusively and nonocclusively as well as in combination with SLS, with an early onset of the inflammatory signs, leading to discontinuation of the application on the third day in most of the test fields. Notably, the irritant effect of NaOH was not as marked when applied sequentially with SLS. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that concurrent application of an anionic detergent and a mild acidic irritant can lead to disruption of the barrier function which, although not additive, is still considerable. The combined application of SLS and mild acids does not prevent SLS-induced irritation. Furthermore, we showed that NaOH in low concentrations may also act as a potent irritant but that its effect is not enhanced by SLS. The necessity of adequate skin protection and reduction of contact with substances that are potentially barrier disruptive and irritant, e.g. in the food industry, is emphasized, not only when handling detergents, but also when processing food products.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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