Nonspecific hypersensitivity of the skin.

Hairless albino mice have been used to test the hypothesis of circulating mediators originating from extensive dermatitis, which might be responsible for 'false'-positive patch tests and non specific hypersensitivity. Two open patch tests with 2 or 3% phenol solution were placed on one flank at an interval of 10 days. 48 h before the second application, part of the mice received an intermediate 10% phenol solution on the opposite flank.