Abstract:
Several household detergents and cleaning powders are blamed for their toxic effects on human
skin. Recently a new washing powder, PRINSO is widely gaining popularity in many areas of Sri
Lanka. It is manufactured by small scale entrepreneurs. They are also sold under other trade
names such as “Ever Light”, “Vihanga” and “Diamond Light”. It consists of 2 sachets, one
containing pink crystals (potassium permanganate) and the other containing white crystals (oxalic
acid). There are some reports of deliberate intoxication of “PRINSO” by certain individuals to
commit suicide. Nevertheless effect of “PRINSO” exposure on skin has never been studied.
Objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of “PRINSO” exposure (short-term)
on mammalian skin. Twenty eight rats were randomly selected. Rats were randomly assigned for
treatments of distill water, “PRINSO” and other two common detergents namely “TIDE” and
“SUNLIGHT’. Each group consisted of seven rats. In all rats, 4 cm2 area of skin was shaved on
dorsal area just behind the neck. Testing solutions were prepared according to the guidelines
indicated by the manufacturer for domestic use. Each shaved skin patch of the rats was treated
with 5 ml of respective testing solutions. Lesions were appeared after two days in the subjects
where “PRINSO” solution was applied. Lesions were completely cured after 12 to 20 days. There
were no detectable lesions in the control group and the other two detergent treated rats. As
indicated by our data, effect of “PRINSO” on human skin should be tested rigorously.
