Eleven subjects received patch tests with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate on a total of 34 anatomic sites. The irritant effect was monitored by visual means, laser Doppler velocimetry, and measurement of transepidermal water loss. After 1 week, repeat patch tests with 2% sodium lauryl sulfate were performed on the same site, and the effect was monitored as before. Although the skin had returned to normal or near normal before the repeat patch test, an augmented response to irritation was generally seen after the repeat patch test, particularly in transepidermal water loss, which showed an augmented response in 29 of the 34 anatomic sites. The clinical implications regarding the healing of contact irritant dermatitis are discussed.