Aluminum Chloride: Is It Useful for Skin Protection in Occupational Dermatology?

<i>Purpose of the Study:</i> To determine the effect of pretreatment with 5% aluminum chloride hexahydrate solution and occlusive film dressings on stratum corneum hydration and barrier function. <i>Procedures:</i> Twenty subjects were treated with 5% aluminum chloride hexahydrate solution (versus water) 3 times at 12-hour intervals, followed by 24 h of occlusion. Outcome measures were the effects of this treatment on stratum corneum moisture content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydrocortisone blanching and skin irritation in the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) irritation test. <i>Results:</i> Aluminum chloride significantly (versus water) prevented occlusion-induced increases in corneometric measurement values and TEWL and significantly (versus water) reduced corticosteroid penetration in the blanching test but had no significant effect on skin irritation in the SLS irritation test. <i>Conclusions and Message:</i> Five percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate solution reduces the water content of the stratum corneum under occlusive conditions. An increased water content of the stratum corneum is obtained in persons suffering from hyperhidrosis and under protective gloves. While improving stratum corneum barrier integrity as such, aluminum chloride fails to protect the stratum corneum barrier against irritation induced by surfactants.