Cutaneous biometrics I. The response of human skin to dimethyl sulphoxide

The wealing response of human skin to dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) has been quantified. Concentrations of 90%, 95% and 100% were applied for 5 min circular areas 8 min in diameter. Wealing was scored on a five-point scale after 10 min. Marked individual variations were found. Wealing was strongly influenced by body region and was dose-dependent. The intensity of the reaction paralleled that to other irritants and was dependent mainly on thickness and integrity of the horny layer. The DMSO test is a simple, quick way to assess the barrier function of the stratum corneum.