Studis on Skin Irritancy of Topical Agents

For the purpose of evaluating skin irritancy of topical agents, 69 topical agents which are widely used or being newly developed were tested by 48 hours closed patch test in 241 patients with dermatoses related to the topical agents. The results were recorded according to the Japanese standards. The stronger reaction was taken for the final result from the two readings. Patch test negative incidence was as follows : 35 topical steroids, 86.3%, 8 topical nonsteroids, 76.5%, 8 topical antifungals, 88.6 % and 18 other topical agents, 84.8/%. So called ointments were less irritant than creams. Gel base agents and propylene glycol rich creams showed high irritancy. Some topical nonsteroids had relatively high irritancy.