Dermal tolerance and effect on skin hydration of a new ethanol-based hand gel.

We studied the dermal tolerance (repetitive occlusive patch test; ROPT) and the skin hydrating properties of a new ethanol-based gel [85% (w/w)], Sterillium Gel. For the ROPT, 53 participants were studied. Gel was applied to one site on the back under an occlusive patch during an induction phase (nine applications over three weeks) and two weeks later to a virgin site on the back during a challenge phase (one application). Twenty-four hours after the removal of the patches (induction phase and challenge phase), then 48 and 72 h later (challenge phase) sites were graded for skin reactions using a standardized scale. In the induction phase none of the 53 participants had a skin reaction. In the challenge phase one participant had a barely perceptible skin reaction, and one had mild erythema at one time point. To evaluate skin hydrating properties of the gel, treated skin of 21 participants was compared to untreated skin. The gel was applied twice a day to the forearm for 14 days. Control corneometer values were taken before application of the gel (mean: 32.7 +/- 5.0) and after one (36.3 +/- 4.4) and two weeks (36.1 +/- 5.4). Relative skin hydration on treated skin in comparison with an untreated control field was significantly higher after one week by 6.85% (P = 0.0031; paired t -test for dependent samples) and after two weeks by 4.47% (P = 0.0153). Sterillium Gel did not demonstrate a clinically relevant potential for dermal irritation or sensitization, and significantly increased skin hydration after repetitive use, and so could enhance compliance with hand hygiene among healthcare workers. Copyright 2002 The Hospital Infection Society