Dermatological Testing of an Emollient-Treated Menstrual Pad with a Novel Foam Absorbent Core

Abstract

Dermatological testing was used to assess the skin compatibility of a menstrual pad with an emollient-treated surface layer and a novel, polymeric absorbent foam core. The test program included: 1) skin patch tests to assess cumulative skin irritation, 2) human repeat insult patch tests to assess the potential for contact sensitization, and 3) repeated application to the popliteal fossa (“behind-the-knee” test) to assess combined chemical irritation and frictional effects. Studies showed the new product and its components to be as mild to skin as other commercially available materials with no evidence for the induction of delayed contact hypersensitivity. Pads with an emollient-based topsheet finish were milder to the skin than pads with a conventional topsheet finish. The test program provides reassurance that the skin compatibility of the new menstrual pad is similar to that of conventional marketed pads with a history of safe use and consumer acceptance.

Keywords::

• Sanitary pads
• Menstrual pads
• Absorbent foam
• Polyacrylate foam
• Emollient
• Topsheet finish
• Cumulative irritation
• Contact sensitization
• Mechanical irritation
• Patch test
• Behind-the-knee test

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge Ms. Michaelle Jones, M.Sc., Procter & Gamble, for statistical data analysis, Dr. Kenneth W. Miller for his technical review, and Deborah Hutchins, Ph.D., ELS, of Hutchins & Associates, LLC, Cincinnati, OH, for technical writing assistance.