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Objective:To determine whether the transepidermal water loss rate (TEWL) is correlated with the stratum corneum (SC) hydration level.Methods:Healthy children aged ≤ 17 years were enrolled from Medical Center for Public Health of Puning, 2 kindergartens and 2 primary schools, from October 2021 to June 2022. TEWL and SC hydration levels were measured on the left forearm and right anterior shank using a device for measuring skin physiological funcitons. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations between TEWL and SC hydration levels in children of different ages and genders.Results:A total of 1 396 healthy children were enrolled, aged from 1 month to 17 years. Among them, 783 were male children and 613 were female children. In children aged 1 to < 12 months, no correlation was observed between TEWL and SC hydration levels on the forearms of male children, while TEWL was positively correlated with SC hydration levels on the anterior shanks of male children, as well as on the forearm and anterior shanks of female children ( r = 0.283, 0.404, 0.420, respectively, all P < 0.05) . In children aged 1 to 2 years, positive correlations were observed between the above two indicators on the anterior shanks of male children and forearms of female children ( r = 0.370, 0.419, respectively, both P < 0.01) , while there were no correlations between the two indicators on the anterior shanks of female children or forearms of male children. Positive correlations were observed between TEWL and SC hydration levels on both the forearms and anterior shanks of female children and the forearms of male children aged 3 to 5 years and 6 to 11 years ( r values ranging from 0.172 to 0.293, all P < 0.05) , but not on the anterior shanks of male children aged from 6 to 11 years. The group aged 12 to 17 years exhibited significantly positive correlations between TEWL and SC hydration levels on both the anterior shanks and forearms of male and female children ( r values ranging from 0.269 to 0.485, all P < 0.001) . Conclusion:SC hydration levels are positively correlated with TEWL on the anterior shanks and forearms of healthy children, and the degree of correlation tends to increase with age.
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It has been speculated that dry skin results from dysfunction of epidermal permeability barrier. But so far, there is no sufficient evidence to support this speculation. In fact, dry skin indicates low levels of stratum corneum hydration. Stratum corneum hydration levels are primarily determined by the content of natural moisturizers in the skin, while epidermal permeability barrier is mainly regulated by intercellular lipids and structural proteins in the stratum corneum. If dry skin is due to a defective permeability barrier, stratum corneum hydration levels should be inversely correlated with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) , an indicator of epidermal permeability barrier function. But no negative correlation has been demonstrated between stratum corneum hydration levels and TEWL in either normal human skin, ichthyoses lesions of patients, or sebaceous gland-deficient mice in a number of studies. In contrast, a positive correlation between stratum corneum hydration levels and TEWL was observed in normal human skin. Taken together, a line of evidence suggests that dry skin unlikely indicates epidermal permeability barrier dysfunction.
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To investigate the influence factors and effects of metal or dissolving microneedles on the formation and healing of skin microchannels, the pencil-shaped or conical stainless steel microneedles with different lengths, tip to tip space and base area, and the pencil-shaped dissolving microneedles with different tip to tip space were used. The microneedles were applied to the skin of epilatory mice and rats, and the effects of various microneedle parameters, application parameters, and animals on the microchannels were explored by the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and methylene blue staining. Visually observe the skin local irritation caused by the microneedles. The animal experiments were approved by the Animal Experiments Welfare and Ethical Committee of Zhejiang University of Technology. The application time of the microneedle should be maintained at 30 s or more. When the insertion forces were 2, 4, 8 N, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 12.9, 33.0, 40.4 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. When the length of metal microneedle were 400, 600, 800 μm, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 37.1, 40.4, 49.5 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. When the tip to tip space of metal microneedle were 400, 600, 800 μm, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 33.2, 40.4, 55.8 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. When the base area of metal microneedle were 0.16, 0.35, 0.62 cm2, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 35.1, 40.4, 67.1 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. The effects of conical and pencil-shaped microneedles are similar. When the tip to tip space of pencil shaped dissolving microneedle were 400, 600, 800 μm, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 49.8, 60.5, 70.5 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. The TEWL baseline values of animal skins of different genders and series are different, but the tendency of microchannels formation and closure is similar. Visual inspection revealed that the slight erythema caused by the microneedles subsided within 24 h. Microneedles of different parameters have different effects on microchannels. The microchannels closed within 24 or 48 h, and the skin local irritation caused by microneedle was mild.
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Resumen Introducción: El jabón para el aseo cutáneo es de empleo común entre la población, sin embargo, es posible que cause daño a las células de la piel y modifique la barrera cutánea. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto citotóxico de los jabones en queratinocitos cultivados in vitro y correlacionarlo con la irritación clínica. Método: Se realizó una encuesta para conocer los jabones comerciales más utilizados y su cantidad; posteriormente, se evaluó su citotoxicidad en cultivos de queratinocitos humanos mediante el método de resazurina. Los jabones con mayor y menor citotoxicidad se aplicaron en piel de voluntarios sanos para evaluar su efecto en la barrera cutánea mediante ensayos de colorimetría y pérdida transepidérmica de agua. Resultados: De los jabones analizados, 37 % demostró ser tóxico para los queratinocitos in vitro. El jabón con mayor toxicidad indujo el mayor índice de eritema y pérdida transepidérmica de agua, en comparación con el jabón menos tóxico y el vehículo empleado como solución control. Conclusión: Los jabones comercializados para el aseo cutáneo pueden incluir ingredientes químicos que dañan los queratinocitos humanos y causan irritación subclínica de la barrera cutánea. Su utilización puede agravar dermatosis preexistentes, generar dermatitis xerósica o de contacto irritativa y causar atrofia y dermatoporosis.
Abstract Introduction: The use of soap for skin cleansing is common among the population. However, it is possible that it causes damage to skin cells and disrupts the skin barrier. Objective: To determine the cytotoxic effect of soaps on in vitro-cultured keratinocytes and to correlate it with clinical irritation. Method: A survey was conducted to find out the most widely used commercial soaps and their number. Subsequently, their cytotoxicity was evaluated in human keratinocyte cultures using the resazurin assay. The soaps with the highest and lowest cytotoxicity were applied to the skin of healthy volunteers to assess their effect on the skin barrier using colorimetry and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) assays. Results: Of the analyzed soaps, 37 % were shown to be toxic to keratinocytes in vitro. The soap with the highest toxicity induced the highest rate of erythema and TEWL, in comparison with the least toxic soap and the vehicle used as the control solution. Conclusion: Soaps marketed for skin cleansing can contain chemical ingredients that damage human keratinocytes and cause skin barrier subclinical irritation. Their use can worsen preexisting dermatoses, generate xerotic or irritant contact dermatitis, and cause atrophy and dermatoporosis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Soaps/adverse effects , Keratinocytes/drug effects , Skin Irritancy Tests , Irritants/adverse effects , Skin/drug effects , Soaps/chemistry , Body Water , Cells, Cultured , Dermatitis, Irritant/etiology , Colorimetry , Erythema/chemically induced , Healthy Volunteers , Hydrogen-Ion ConcentrationABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of topical applications of 20% sunflower seed oil (SSO) in decreasing the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index value in mild atopic dermatitis (AD) pediatric patients in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: This was a randomized study involving 20 children with mild AD (SCORAD<25) in Bandung, Indonesia. They were divided into 2 groups: the experimental group treated with 20% SSO cream and the control group treated with a common moisturizing cream for four weeks. The TEWL score including SCORAD index was evaluated at baseline, week 1, week 2, and week 4. Results: A total of 20 participants completed the study. In the first week, the control group had TEWL score decrement by 36.62% while the experimental group by 28.89% (p=0.88). In the fourth week, the TEWL decrements of the experimental and control group were by 56.94% and 52.50%, respectively (p=0.20), and this was followed by an improvement of SCORAD index in both treatment groups. Conclusion: The 20% SSO cream has a beneficial effect in decreasing the TEWL score and improving SCORAD indices. Therefore, it can be considered as an alternative treatment for mild AD among children.
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Background: Biophysical parameters of skin such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, elasticity, pH, and sebum reflects it functional integrity. Advances in technology have made it possible to measure these parameters by non-invasive methods. These parameters are useful for the prediction of disease and its prognosis. It also helps in developing new skin care products according to various skin types, and to evaluate, modify, or compare the effects of existing products. Aim: The aim of the study was to measure, evaluate, and analyze variations in biophysical parameters at pre-selected skin sites in healthy Indian volunteers, across different age groups and gender. Methods: The study was conducted among 500 healthy Indian volunteers, between 5 and 70 years of age, in the outpatient department of dermatology at Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar. Biophysical parameters such as TEWL, hydration, elasticity, and sebum content was measured on four pre-selected body sites by a Dermalab instrument (Cortex Technology, Denmark). The skin pH was measured with a sensitive pH probe (BEPL 2100). Results: All parameters were higher in males compared to females, except for sebum content, which was equal in both genders. Transepidermal water loss and hydration was lower in middle and older age groups. The skin pH showed no statistically significant difference with age. Sebum content was higher in middle and older age groups. The nose had the highest sebum content across all age groups. The forehead showed higher median values of TEWL and hydration compared to other sites. Though elasticity has highest value on forearm, only leg region showed statistically significant value. Limitations: The present study was confined to a single geographical area, so the effect of environment changes could not be judged accurately. Seasonal variations were not studied as it was a cross-sectional study. Conclusion: Skin properties vary with age, gender, and location on the body. This knowledge will help to create a database of these parameters in the Indian population. It would assist in the diagnosis of various clinical conditions and monitor therapeutic response.
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Background: Biophysical parameters of skin such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, elasticity, pH, and sebum reflects it functional integrity. Advances in technology have made it possible to measure these parameters by non-invasive methods. These parameters are useful for the prediction of disease and its prognosis. It also helps in developing new skin care products according to various skin types, and to evaluate, modify, or compare the effects of existing products. Aim: The aim of the study was to measure, evaluate, and analyze variations in biophysical parameters at pre-selected skin sites in healthy Indian volunteers, across different age groups and gender. Methods: The study was conducted among 500 healthy Indian volunteers, between 5 and 70 years of age, in the outpatient department of dermatology at Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar. Biophysical parameters such as TEWL, hydration, elasticity, and sebum content was measured on four pre-selected body sites by a Dermalab instrument (Cortex Technology, Denmark). The skin pH was measured with a sensitive pH probe (BEPL 2100). Results: All parameters were higher in males compared to females, except for sebum content, which was equal in both genders. Transepidermal water loss and hydration was lower in middle and older age groups. The skin pH showed no statistically significant difference with age. Sebum content was higher in middle and older age groups. The nose had the highest sebum content across all age groups. The forehead showed higher median values of TEWL and hydration compared to other sites. Though elasticity has highest value on forearm, only leg region showed statistically significant value. Limitations: The present study was confined to a single geographical area, so the effect of environment changes could not be judged accurately. Seasonal variations were not studied as it was a cross-sectional study. Conclusion: Skin properties vary with age, gender, and location on the body. This knowledge will help to create a database of these parameters in the Indian population. It would assist in the diagnosis of various clinical conditions and monitor therapeutic response.
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Although a variety of regimens are available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), severe adverse reactions and unpopular costs often limit their usage. In contrast, certain inexpensive, naturally-occurring ingredients are proven effective for AD with fewer side effects. The beneficial effects of these ingredients can be attributed to inhibition of cytokine and chemokine expression, IgE production, inflammatory cell infiltration, histamine release, and/or the enhancement of epidermal permeability barrier function. Since herbal medicines are widely available, inexpensive and generally safe, they could be valuable alternatives for the treatment of AD, particularly for those patients who are not suitable for the utilization of immune modulators. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic benefits of natural ingredients for the treatment of AD and the mechanisms of their actions.
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Humans , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , Biological Products , Therapeutic Uses , Dermatitis, Atopic , Drug Therapy , Permeability , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Senna, one of the major stimulant laxatives, is widely used for treating constipation. Chronic senna use has been reported to be associated with colonic disorders such as melanosis coli and/or epithelial hyperplasia. However, there is no obvious information on the influence of chronic senna use on organs except for the intestine. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the influence of senna laxative use on skin barrier function by repeated senna administration. METHODS: Eight-week-old male hairless mice received senna (10 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. After administration, we evaluated transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and investigated the biomarkers in plasma and skin using protein analysis methods. RESULTS: Fecal water content on day seven was significantly increased; however, on day 21, it was significantly decreased after repeated senna administration. In the senna-administered group, TEWL was significantly higher compared to the control on days seven and 21. Plasma acetylcholine concentration and NO2 −/NO3 − were increased on days seven and 21, respectively. In skin, tryptase-positive mast cells and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-positive cells were increased on days seven and 21, respectively. The increase of TEWL on days seven and 21 was suppressed by the administration of atropine and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, respectively. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that diarrhea or constipation induced by repeated senna administration caused the impairment of skin barrier function. There is a possibility that this impaired skin barrier function occurred due to degranulation of mast cells via cholinergic signals or oxidative stress derived from iNOS.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Acetylcholine , Atropine , Biomarkers , Colon , Constipation , Diarrhea , Hyperplasia , Intestines , Laxatives , Mast Cells , Melanosis , Mice, Hairless , NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II , Oxidative Stress , Plasma , Senna Extract , Skin , WaterABSTRACT
Objectives: To study the effect of astaxanthin contained drink to skin conditionMethod: The study was conducted to the Japanese females between age over thirty to less than fifty , who had weakening of skin (including aging, sag and dry skin) and skin dullness. In order to conduct the objective evaluation, the comparison between the groups by the double-blind test was taken. Twenty of subjects were randomly allocated to the intake group of astaxanthin contained drink (astaxanthin 3mg contained) and the placebo group. After eight weeks intake of the drink, each group was evaluated with skin water contents, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, VISIA and skin texture etc.Result: In between the groups, the intake group of astaxanthin contained drink was greatly excellent in the categories of skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity , erythema dose and skin texture.Conclusion:Astaxanthin has protecting effect of skin barrier and is considered to increase the water retention capability to reduce skin dryness. Astaxanthin is also effective to erythema dose, skin elasticity and skin texture. As no adverse events resulting from the test drink was seen, such food containing astaxanthin is considered as a safe and useful health functional food material to skin.
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BACKGROUND: It is unclear how the usage of topical steroid agents affects skin barrier function. OBJECTIVE: In order to follow up on previous research into this topic, we sought to investigate the effects of a 3-week application of topical mometasone cream on the alteration of skin barrier function. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who had been clinically diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis were enrolled. Topical mometasone cream was applied to the skin lesions. Clinical symptoms, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometer unit, and pH value were measured on the initial visit, 1 week after treatment, and 3 weeks after treatment, and their values were compared. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms showed improvement after topical mometasone cream was applied (p0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that treatment with topical mometasone cream for 3 weeks has no effect on skin barrier function. We believe that this research will help determine the optimal duration and dosage of topical steroid agents used for treating allergic contact dermatitis.
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Humans , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact , Dermatitis, Contact , Follow-Up Studies , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Skin , Mometasone FuroateABSTRACT
Skin is the outermost organ and acts as a barrier between the organism and environment. Skin protects the organism from environmental insults, such as chemicals, pathogens, and UV light. Much of the protective function of skin is dependent on the epidermis, a multi-layered epithelium that is composed of various cell types such as keratinocytes and melanocytes. Keratinocytes produce protective components through a sophisticated differentiation process. Disturbance of keratinocyte differentiation is related to several skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In this study, we prepared extract of combined medicinal plants (ECMP) consisting of Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt, Heartleaf Houttuynia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer, and root bark of Ulmus davidiana. We demonstrated that ECMP enhanced keratinocyte differentiation and barrier functionality using an in vitro cell culture system and in vivo animal test. Treatment of cultured keratinocytes with ECMP resulted in induction of keratinocyte differentiation, as evidenced by increased differentiation markers such as involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin. In line with these results, ECMP decreased proliferation of keratinocytes cultured in vitro. ECMP applied topically to tape-stripped mouse skins accelerated reduction of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), indicating fast recovery of barrier function. Immunohistochemistry showed that ECMP increased the filaggrin level in tape-stripped mouse skins. These results suggest that ECMP may be applicable for keratinocyte differentiation-related skin diseases.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Antigens, Differentiation , Cell Culture Techniques , Dermatitis, Atopic , Epidermis , Epithelium , Glycyrrhiza uralensis , Houttuynia , Immunohistochemistry , Keratinocytes , Melanocytes , Plants, Medicinal , Psoriasis , Skin , Skin Diseases , Taraxacum , Ulmus , Ultraviolet RaysABSTRACT
This study was aimed to observe the mechanism of Jia-Jian Xiao-Yao (JJXY) Powder improving facial skin barrier function of the hormone-dependent dermatitis patients. A total of 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the treatment group, 50 cases were orally administered with JJXY Powder. In the control group, loratadine and vitamin EC particles were orally administered to the 50 cases. Thirty days is one treatment course. Changes of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin erythema amount and IL-4 were detected in patients of both groups before and after the treatment. The results showed that the clinical efficiency of treatment group and control group was 82.0% and 58.0%, respectively. In the treatment group, the TEWL and skin erythema amount were obviously decreased after the treatment (P < 0.05). In the treatment group, the decreasing range of serum IL-4 was significant compared to control group (P < 0.05). It was concluded that JJXY Powder is one of the effective methods for the treatment of facial hormone-dependent dermatitis. It is able to repair facial hormone-dependent dermatitis in patients with impaired skin barrier function and reduce the amount of skin erythema. The therapeutic mechanism may be related to the regulation of serum IL-4.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a topical spray containing 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) on canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and to evaluate the skin barrier function during the treatment of CAD. Twenty-one dogs that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for CAD were included in this study. The HCA spray was applied once a day to the lesions of all dogs for 7 or 14 days. Clinical assessment was performed before (day 0) and after treatment (day 14), and clinical responses were correlated with changes in skin barrier function. CAD severity significantly decreased after 14 days of HCA treatment based on the lesion scores (p < 0.0001), which were determined using the CAD extent and severity index (CADESI-03) and pruritus scores (p < 0.0001) calculated using a pruritus visual analog scale. Transepidermal water loss, a biomarker of skin barrier function, was significantly reduced compared to baseline (day 0) measurements (p = 0.0011). HCA spray was shown to be effective for significantly improving the condition of dogs suffering from CAD. This treatment also significantly improved cutaneous hydration and skin barrier function in the animals.
Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Female , Male , Administration, Topical , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Dog Diseases/drug therapy , Hydrocortisone/administration & dosageABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nano-sized water particles have been thought to moisturize the skin more effectively. However, clear benefits of humidifier generating nano-sized water particles on the skin have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of humidifier generating nano-sized water particles on the skin by measuring the levels of the skin hydration state and skin barrier function with an objective, quantifiable method. METHODS: A 4-week, randomized, case-control study was conducted in 40 healthy Korean women, aged between 20 and 39, and they were divided into two groups, the experimental and control groups. The experimental group used humidifier generating nano-sized water particles for 8 hours every night, during 4 weeks. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured every week on the forehead and cheek using corneometer and tewameter, respectively. Safety evaluations were also performed at each visit. RESULTS: The baseline skin hydration and TEWL values showed no significant differences between the two groups. After 1 week of use, the experimental group showed significantly increased skin hydration values (p<0.001, p<0.0001) and decreased levels of TEWL values (p=0.017, p=0.025) as compared to the control group. During a 4-week study period, increased skin hydration and decreased TEWL were sustained in the experimental group. No adverse effects were observed in all the volunteers. CONCLUSION: These results show that humidifier, which generates nano-sized water particles, seems to positively affect skin hydration and skin barrier function. More studies and sufficient follow-up time are needed for the assessment of the humidifier generating nano-sized water particles.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Case-Control Studies , Cheek , Follow-Up Studies , Forehead , Skin , WaterABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis (PHH) is the disease of production of excessive sweat mainly localized in palm, sole, and craniofacial area. The characteristics of the lesional skin and the relationship with fungal infection in patients with PHH are still not known in Korean literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in patients with PHH with those in control group and to determine the relation of PPH to tinea pedis. METHODS: A prospective case-control study of patients with PHH was conducted. We have measured the skin hydration and TEWL on the skin of palm, sole and forehead in patients with PPH and those in control group. A total of 67 patients with PHH and 50 volunteers of control group were examined for the presence of tinea pedis. Information on the treatment history of tinea pedis were provided by means of reviewing the medical records. RESULTS: Of 67 patients with PHH included, mean age was 28.1 years. Distributional patterns of PHH were palmoplantar (50.7%), isolated palmar (19.4%), isolated plantar (7.5%), and craniofacial (22.4%). Age at onset for palmoplantar HH (12.9+/-7.5 years) was significantly younger than that of craniofacial HH (26.8+/-10.5 years) (p < 0.05). Compared with the skin of those in control group, the values of the skin hydration and TEWL were significantly higher in the skin of patients with PHH. The risk of tinea pedis were increased in patients with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis compared with controls (Odds ratio: 2.44). CONCLUSION: Skin physiological parameters of patients with PHH and normal subjects were evaluated by non-invasive skin bioengineering methods which show quantitative modifications in physiological conditions. On the basis of current data, we can expect great advances in the curative value for treatment in patients with PHH.
Subject(s)
Humans , Bioengineering , Case-Control Studies , Forehead , Hyperhidrosis , Prospective Studies , Skin , Sweat , Tinea , Tinea PedisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry skin, pruritus, and typical distribution of the lesions. Because an objective tool for the assessment of disease severity of atopic dermatitis has yet to be agreed upon, many dermatologists are dependent on subjective history and clinical scoring. Recently, instrumental measurements have been used for the assessment of skin barrier function. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between SCORAD (scoring of atopic Dermatitis) index and the results of instrumental assessments of disease severity in atopic dermatitis. Additionally, we compared the values of instrumental measurements on normal and lesional skin. METHODS: From February to April 2007, 44 patients with atopic dermatitis were treated with topical steroids, topical calcineurine inhibitors, oral antihistamine agents and systemic steroids. At initial visit, and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of treatment, the SCORAD index was measured, and instrumental measurements of skin surface hydration (SSH), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pH were performed on the antecubital fossa (lesional skin) and flank (normal skin) of the patients by Corneometer(R), Tewameter(R), and skin-pH-meter(R). RESULTS: Significant correlation was found between SCORAD index and SSH (p<0.0001), TEWL (p<0.0001), and pH (p=0.1680). SSH and TEWL improved within 1 week of treatment but pH improved after 2 weeks of treatment. Instrumental assessments showed lesional skin had lower SSH, higher TEWL, and more alkaline pH than normal skin. CONCLUSION: Instrumental measurements showed correlation with SCORAD index. Therefore, we can use instrumental assessments as well as SCORAD index in the assessment of disease severity of AD.
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BACKGROUND: Alcohol intake induces complex changes in the human body. However, there has not been much investigation on the interaction between alcohol and human skin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of alcohol intake on the skin's physiology. METHODS: A total 16 Korean males was enrolled in this study and they were divided into two groups (group A and group B). Each group included 8 people. Group A drank alcohol (20.1%, 360 ml) for 90 min and Group B drank 360 ml of normal saline. The body temperature, the skin erythema index, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the skin hydration, the skin pH and skin sebum were measured before and 30 min and 120 min after alcohol intake. RESULTS: In group A, the skin erythema index, TEWL, skin hydration and skin pH significantly increased 30 min after alcohol intake, while the body temperature and sebum decreased. All the measurements except sebum recovered 120 min after alcohol intake. However, in group B, all the measurements were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: Alcohol intake affects thermoregulation, the skin barrier function and the skin pH. This study showing that physiologic changes are induced by alcohol intake may help investigate the interaction between alcohol and skin disease.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Body Temperature , Body Temperature Regulation , Erythema , Human Body , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Sebum , Skin , Skin Diseases , Skin Physiological PhenomenaABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic significance oftransepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance (CAP) and skin surface pH in subclinical irritant dermatitis. Methods Thirty healthy females took part in the 8-day study. Four areas were delineated on the flexor side of both forearms of each subject: one area received no irritation and served as the control, one was challenged by 1% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), one by repeated tape stripping, and one by irradiation with 0.75 MED UVB. Irritations were continuously given for 5 days. Clinical evaluation was performed everyday before irritation. TEWL, CAP and skin surface pH were measured at baseline, on day 6, 7 and 8 after the first irritation. Results Clinical score maintained at 0 for all subjects through the 8-day study. After SLS irritation, TEWL was 3.17 ± 3.07 g/m2h on day 6, 3.32 ± 2.84 g/m2h on day 7 and 3.22 ± 2.36 g/m,Zh on day 8, and all were significantly higher than that on day 0 (0.40 ± 1.35 g/m2h, P < 0.01). Similarly, increased skin surface pH was observed on day 6, 7 and 8 after SLS irritation compared with that at baseline (all P < 0.05). On the contrast, CAP decreased on day 6, 7 and 8 after SLS irritation (all P < 0.05). After tape-stripping, a significant increase was observed in TEWL on day 6, 7 and 8 compared with that at baseline (2.54 ± 1.85 g/m2h, 2.40 ± 2.16 g/m2h and 2.17 ± 1.99 g/m2h vs 0.11 ± 1.10 g/m2h, all P < 0.01); significant increase of pH was noted only on day 8; meanwhile, there was no any significant change in CAP. UVB irradiation induced no obvious changes in any of these physiological parameters. Conclusions These three physiological parameters can be applied m the diagnosis of subclinical irritant contact dermatitis, and their diagnostic value varies with the pattern of irritation.
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Objective To analyze the skin barrier function in patients with facial steroid dermatitis.Methods Ninety-five patients with facial steroid dermatitis were enrolled into this study along with 25 healthy volunteers as controls.Transepidermal water loss(TEWL)and skin hydration were measured in 8 facial regions.including lesional skin in forehead,nasal tip,submaxilla,both cheeks and angulus oris,and non-lesional skin in the left posteior ear.Results Compared with the healthy group,the patients with steroid dermatitis had a significant higher value of TEWL on lower mandible,both angulus oris and cheeks(t:4.90,2.60,2.57,2.54,3.77,respectively,P＜0.01),while a significant lower level of skin hydration was noted on both angulus otis,right cheek and forehead(t=3.27,3.81,2.02,2.78,respectively,P＜0.05).Among the 8 test sites in both patients and controls,TEWL value decreased in the following order:submaxilla and both angulus oris＞both cheeks and forehead＞non lesional skin on the posteroir ear,and the decrease in skin water content was highest in submaxilla and both angnlus oris,followed by cheeks and forehead,and finally by left posterior ear.Conclusions In patients with facial steroid dermatitis,skin barrier function is disturbed on submaxilla,both angnlus oris and cheeks,and TEWL value is found to be higher in perioral area,while cheeks have a lower level of skin hydration.