[Alkali resistance changes from use of water-in-oil- and oil-in-water emulsions]

Metal workers who up to 4 h prior to the alkali resistance (AR) test had applied different O/W-emulsions revealed a better mean AR on the forearms than those who had used W/O-emulsions or no protective skin ointments at all. Similar test results were achieved in 9 metal workers tested in a right-left comparison under standardized external conditions as in more than 300 workers of various industries. By a right-left comparison of an O/W- and W/O-emulsion with 14 students it was shown that all subjects with a low pre-test AR revealed an increased AR after the application of the ointment. Proved differences in AR-reactivity related to occupation and skin constitution of the subject tested are considered to be due to differences in the hydration rate of the horny layer.