ABSTRACT
Contact with external irritating agents, such as dishwashing liquid, enzymes, or raw meat, can result in irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), a localized condition associated with the innate immune system. ICD ensues when irritant stimuli overpower the defense and repair capacities of the skin (1). Exposure to potent irritants or exposure to mild irritants for an extended period of time will increase the likelihood of developing ICD. Preventive measures, including the utilization of proper skin care, the avoidance of harsh soaps, and the use of protective garments, such as gloves, will decrease the risk of irritant dermatitis occurring. In addition, it is of crucial importance to test the irritant potential of any substance that will be applied to human skin, so that its likelihood of inducing irritant dermatitis is known. Federal regulatory agencies require toxicity testing to determine the safety or hazard of various chemicals and products prior to human exposure. This information is used to properly classify and label products according to their potential hazard (2). No one assay is able to accurately portray irritation in its entirety. This is because irritant dermatitis may result from either acute or cumulative injury, and may involve infl ammation or skin necrosis (corrosive). A number of animal, human, and in vitro test methods have been developed, each portraying some but not all aspects of irritation. Each model has its unique benefi ts and limitations.
