Randomised crossover comparison of skin irritation with two transdermal oestradiol patches: Table 1

Transdermal oestradiol patches relieve menopausal symptoms, 1 prevent bone loss, 2 and cause metabolic and direct vascular changes consistent with a reduced risk of arterial disease. 3They may also cause skin irritation at the site of the patch.The first patches contained an alcohol reservoir, oestradiol being released through a semipermeable membrane held against the skin by a ring of adhesive.Subsequent patches have oestradiol dissolved in the adhesive matrix and distributed across the whole patch.Anecdotal and published reports suggest that matrix patches may cause fewer skin reactions than reservoir patches. 4 5We compared the two designs in women with a history of skin irritation at the site of the patch.