Site Variation of Transepidermal Water Loss Measurement on the Normal Skin of Hands in Human Volunteers

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Transepidermal water loss(TEWL) measurement is widely used in monitoring the degree of skin irritation. There have been many reports of site variation of TEWL between different body sites. However, there have been no reports concerning site variation on the different parts of the hand, which is important for the evaluation of hand eczema. OBJECTIVE: This study was done to better understand site variation of TEWL on the hands. METHODS: TEWL measurement has been performed on the mid-forearm and seven different sites of the hands in 20 normal human volunteers using an evaporimeter. RESULTS: A marked site variation has been observed and high values observed on most parts of the hands compared to forearms. CONCLUSION: Site selection should be seriously considered in any kind of study concerning TEWL measurement of hands.