Standardization of Skin Irritation Reaction in Korean with Skin Bioengineering Measurement / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is believed that certain skin types of different age, ethnic group may be more susceptible to the effect of skin irritants than others. However, some previous studies found controversies among intra-, inter-individual variation along with the possibility of ethnic differences in irritation reaction. OBJECTIVE: Thus, it is mandatory to explore the characteristics of irritant skin reaction in young and old Koreans with objective, standardized instrumental measurement techniques. METHOD: We have investigated the patterns of skin irritation between adolescent group (19 persons, average age 21.3 +/- 2.3) and old group (18 persons, average age 61.0 +/- 3.6) after physicochemical stimuli by using tape strippings (15, 30 times) and 24 hours SLS (sodium rauryl sulfate, 1% 0.5%) patch application with skin bioengineering measurements for color change(erythema index), TEWL(transepidermal water loss), capacitance and dermal microcirculation (Laser Doppler Flowmetry flux). RESULTS: The intensity of irritation represented by skin bioengineering measurements showed 30 strippings > 1% SLS > 0.5% SLS > 15 strippings, respectively. The younger the less irritation response at different time-course. TEWL, erythema index and microvascular blood distribution (LDF flux) of old group reached the plateau faster and higher than adolescent group. Occlusive patch containing water induced a potential of irritation regardless of age group that might affect early interpretation of skin bioengineering results. CONCLUSION: Intensity of irritation reaction and its kinetic suggested the role of age-dependent change of skin. The standardization on skin bioengineering measurement techniques along with irritation methods is mandatory to explore further inter-individual differences of irritation reaction in Korean.