Skin decontamination with and without water irrigation.

Objective: Rinsing only with water or washing with soap and water are common methods of skin decontamination for skin contaminated during a chemical hazard release. The null hypothesis was that a 15-minute water irrigation (decontamination method 1) would not be superior to decontamination using a microfiber towel, followed by a wet wipe (Signature Select Softly Flushable Tissue Better Living Brands LLC, Pleasanton, CA), followed by using another microfiber towel (decontamination method 2).

Methods: A simulated contaminant (Magic Fluorescent Glow Paint for Face and Body, iLC Shenzhen Fulimei Technology Co. LTD, Shenzhen, the People's Republic of China) was applied to the dorsal skin of each subject's forearms. Then, photographs of these subject's skin were taken before and after decontamination of the simulated contaminant by using either decontamination method 1 or 2. Each of the subjects underwent both decontamination methods in separate trials, with each subject using one forearm for decontamination method 1 and their other forearm for decontamination method 2. Discrete points of contamination were quantified on the photographs that were taken with the skin illuminated by ambient visible light or ultraviolet light (395nm, Roceei ultraviolet flashlight, China).

Results: Under visible light, no residual contamination was seen by inspecting photographs taken after decontaminating with either method. Under ultraviolet light, less visible contamination was seen by inspecting photographs taken after decontaminating with method 1 than after decontaminating with method 2.

Conclusion: In this study, skin decontamination with water irrigation was superior to skin decontamination without water irrigation.