Sibylle Schliemann-Willers, Walter Wigger-Alberti, Peter Elsner
DOI: 10.1080/000155501317208291

Perfluoropolyethers (Fomblin® HC products) are chemical nonreactive polymers with special physico-chemical properties that recently showed promise as protective preparations in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis. We evaluated the efficacy of a new class ofperfluoropolyethers (perfluoropolyether phosphate , Fomblin® HC/P2) in the prevention of experimentally induced cumulative irritant contact dermatitis if applied prior to irritation. A panel of 20 healthy volunteers was tested with a repetitive irritation test using 4 standard irritants (sodium lauryl sulphate of highest purity, sodium hydroxide, lactic acid and toluene) in a randomized double-blind study. Application sites were assessed clinically and by the use of bioengineering techniques (transepidermal water loss and chromametry). Three gel preparations each containing 5% perfluoropolyether phosphate showed significant efficacy against irritation due to sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium hydroxide, while one test preparation containing 2% showed inferior benefit, indicating a dose-related effect. Preparations containing perfluoropolyether phosphates can be recommended for workplaces with water-soluble irritants. Further studies under real workplace conditions are indicated.