Topical glutaraldehyde-percutaneous penetration and skin irritation

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Glutaraldehyde is used in various applications, necessitating an understanding of its skin penetration and safety.
• The stratum corneum's barrier function varies across different body sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro skin penetration of glutaraldehyde through different human skin types.
• To assess the in vivo irritancy and sensitization potential of topical glutaraldehyde on human skin.

Main Methods:

• In vitro penetration studies using isolated human stratum corneum and epidermis.
• An 8-week in vivo irritancy and sensitization test on 12 volunteers applying a 10% glutaraldehyde solution.

Main Results:

• Glutaraldehyde did not penetrate thick stratum corneum (heel).
• 2.8%-4.4% penetrated isolated epidermis, and 3.3%-13.8% penetrated thin stratum corneum (anterior ankle).
• Irritation and one sensitization case occurred on thin anterior ankle skin, but not on thick heel skin.

Conclusions:

• Thick stratum corneum, particularly on the heel, acts as a significant barrier to glutaraldehyde penetration.
• Thin stratum corneum, such as on the anterior ankle, is susceptible to glutaraldehyde-induced irritation and sensitization.
• Specific skin sites exhibit differential sensitivity to topical glutaraldehyde, suggesting potential for site-specific safety assessments.