[On the method for testing alkali resistance (author's transl)]

The alkali-resistance of the back of the hand was determined in unprepared metal-workers, using the Burckhardt-Locher-method modified in a way that less alkali injury sufficed to fulfil the criteria for stopping the test. On comparing the results with those from control subjects with normal, unimpaired skin, no influence of manual labour nor of cleansing procedure could be seen. Based on the present results obtained from 256 subjects a critical analysis is given of the following methodical parameters: modified breaking-up criteria (extension of erythematous halo, size of lesions), methodical reliability, influence of pipette used (dropper, piston pipette), test-site, comparative testing on right and left hand.