Guidelines on sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) exposure tests. A report from the Standardization Group of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis

Abstract

This report reviews the clinical and histopathological reactions caused by sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and the non-invasive methods that can characterize these reactions. Furthermore, SLS exposure techniques and factors that may influence the outcome of these exposures are discussed. Finally, guidelines are introduced for each exposure technique in order to have a uniform approach to SLS testing in man. Since different study aims warrant different testing conditions, we have proposed 2 categories, namely susceptibility testing and provocative testing, tailored to the aim with which the study is performed.