[Protective creams for prophylaxis of allergic contact dermatitis]

Occupational medicine is interested in effective prophylaxis of skin occupational diseases. Use of protective ointments and creams makes one of prophylaxis methods of professional dermatitis. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate both the primarily irritant and the allergic action of the two creams devised by us for protection of skin exposed to aqueous solution of electrolytes. One of these creams was composed of hydrocarbons components, the other had in addition silicone oil and cetaceum. Protective properties of these creams in patients with allergic contact dermatitis were also examined. The experiments were carried out on 10 rabbits, 75 guinea pigs, and 491 patients mainly suffering from metal (Cr, Co, Ni) and formaldehyde allergy. It was found that investigated creams do not exert primarily irritant and sensitizing effects both in animals and humans. These creams demonstrate pronounced protective action in allergy due to water soluble allergens.