Skin compatibility of two ethanol based virucidal hand disinfectants

Abstract

two virucidal hand rubs containing high concentrations of ethanol were evaluated for irritating and sensitizing propensities in a Human Repeated Insult Patch test (HRIPt). Whereas the numbers of responses elicited by Product A and an ethanol control were commensurately low and not significantly different (p<0.256), the number elicited by Product B was significantly higher than those elicited by either Product A or control (p<0.001). Product A was found to be devoid of clinically significant irritating propensities; Product B was a weak cumulative irritant. High concentrations of ethanol can be used in formulating highly effective virucidal hand disinfectants without compromising the skin compatibility of the product.