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Sorbic acid-induced erythema and edema
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Sorbic acid at 0.1% causes skin redness and swelling. Prostaglandins appear to mediate this reaction, but mast cells are not involved.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Inflammation research
Background:
- Sorbic acid is a common preservative.
- Its potential to cause skin irritation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the skin reactions induced by sorbic acid.
- To identify the mediators involved in sorbic acid-induced skin inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Human volunteers applied sorbic acid (0.1%) to various skin sites.
- Skin reactions (erythema, edema, flare) were assessed.
- Effects of topical steroids, aspirin, systemic steroids, and antihistamines were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Low concentrations (0.1%) of sorbic acid induced transient erythema, edema, and flare on human skin.
- Reactions varied by body site, being most intense on the face.
- Aspirin inhibited the erythema, suggesting prostaglandin involvement.
- Topical steroids reduced the response, while systemic steroids and antihistamines did not.
- Mast cell degranulation was not observed.
Conclusions:
- Sorbic acid can be a skin irritant, causing inflammation.
- Prostaglandins are likely mediators of sorbic acid-induced skin reactions.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of topical steroids are not compromised by sorbic acid irritation.