Sodium-lauryl-sulphate-induced cutaneous irritation. Comparison of white and Hispanic subjects.

Reactivity of white and hispanic skin after exposure to sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) has been investigated. The tests were performed on the back as follows: untreated skin, skin pre-treated with short-term occlusion and delipidized skin. Irritant reactions were induced by applying 0.5% and 2.0% SLS via Finn chamber patch tests and monitored by means of laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum water content (WC). Higher TEWL, LDV and WC were recorded for 2.0% SLS when compared to 0.5% SLS and baselines. Differences between white and hispanic skin reactivity were recorded. TEWL and WC responses showed a greater sensitivity in hispanics possibly reflecting a different modulation of the water barrier function after chemical exposure. On the other hand, the microcirculatory response, as long as detected with LDV, was similar in the 2 groups. Correlations between these data and findings observed in other races are discussed.