The effects on rat skin of prolonged exposure to water

By means of small waterproof chambers held on the backs of rats with adhesive, areas of skin were exposed continuously to sterile distilled water for I-, 2-, and 3-day periods. All test areas showed discernible changes and many exhibited vesicles, bullae or abscesses in the epidermis. Dermal changes ranged from mild inflammatory cell infiltration to severe oedema and haemorrhagic inflammation.