What can pass through the skin transdermally?

Wishbone Ash · #1 09-25-2005, 12:20 AM

Isn't this based on the size of the molecules? IE certain molecules are too big to pass through?

Also what about rubbing alcohol, can it be absorbed into the skin?

KarlGauss · #2 09-25-2005, 12:29 AM

You may find this interesting - I really don't know enough about this subject to be helpful.

Searching for 'iontophoresis' is likely to aid your web (and other) searches immensely.

astro · #3 09-25-2005, 12:37 AM

Hydroflouric acid

CynicalGabe · #4 09-25-2005, 12:46 AM

Many chemical warfare agents are dermally active, especially nerve and blister agents.

Huerta88 · #5 09-25-2005, 12:54 AM

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) gained some notoriety (and advocacy) over the past couple of decades, based in part on its ability to operate transdermally. Fans said this allowed it to be super therapeutic for everything from soup to nuts, critics said it could kill you. Web search on DMSO will turn up scads of stuff.

We're all, of course, ignoring the obvious, indeed, canonical, transdermal agent: herbal penis enlargement patches.

Der Trihs · #6 09-25-2005, 02:15 AM

Some mercury compounds can pass through the skin. I remember a news story a few years ago; a scientist working with the stuff got a drop on her skin and died.

Mr2001 · #7 09-25-2005, 02:25 AM

Nicotine, estrogen, and progesterone all come in patch form.

Bryan Ekers · #8 09-25-2005, 02:41 AM

I know chocolate's fattening effect can be transmitted through the eyes....

Ruken · #9 09-25-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Der Trihs

Some mercury compounds can pass through the skin. I remember a news story a few years ago; a scientist working with the stuff got a drop on her skin and died.

Worse, Karen Wetterhahn died after the dimethyl mercury went through her glove (

) and through her skin.
linky
I work with some nasty stuff in lab, and it's hard to remember that those gloves don't really do much at all for some chemicals.