Histological changes in rabbits after application of medicaments and cosmetic bases. II

A further study of the topical effects of certain pharmaceutical and cosmetic bases on rabbit skin is reported. Cetyl alcohol, myristic acid, castor oil and sorbitol were applied in fixed doses daily for 30 days and their irritant activity was assessed. The macroscopic and microscopic changes were on the whole minimal. Castor oil alone produced some macroscopic alterations in the form of slight erythema and edema, and microscopic changes consisting of acanthosis, disorganization of the basal layer and slight infiltration of the dermis.