Short-term Heat Application Reduces Itch Intensity in Atopic Dermatitis: Insights from Mechanical Induction and Real-life Episodes.

Heat application is known to activate transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which play a crucial role in sensory perception, including itch. In this study, the effect of a 5-s, 49°C heat application on itch intensity in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients was evaluated. The study comprised 2 parts: a controlled trial investigating the impact of brief heat treatment on mechanically induced itch, and a real-life study of AD patients experiencing itch attacks. A significant and immediate reduction in itch sensations following heat application was shown, with effects enduring over time. This response, however, showed notable individual variability, underscoring the potential of personalized approaches in AD treatment. Repeated applications of heat showed no habituation effect, suggesting its viability as a non-pharmacological, patient-tailored option for managing itch in AD. Further research in larger cohorts is warranted to refine treatment protocols and deepen understanding of the mechanisms involved.

Stratum Corneum Hydration Measurements with a Bluetooth Wireless Probe: A Real-Life Study at Home Compared to Measurements under Laboratory Conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Non-invasive measurement of the stratum corneum hydration (SCH) with capacitance-based instrumentation is established in dermatological and cosmetic studies. We wanted to test the reliability of non-invasive self-measurements for SCH performed under real-life conditions by volunteers with a Bluetooth-based (wireless) probe Corneometer® (CM 825i) transmitting the data via a smartphone application to a central server. Probes and smartphones communicated using Bluetooth Low Energy. Data from the smartphone were securely transferred to a remote server in a different country with TLS encryption using HTTPS protocols. CM 825i values were correlated with the established CM 825 under laboratory conditions. The primary endpoint was the correlation of the two probes. Secondary endpoints were the coefficient of variation (CV) and delta values (before and after treatment). METHODS: Eighteen healthy volunteers (f: 8; m: 10) participated in the prospective observational study. The real-world home use of the wireless CM 825i was performed before and after treatments with base cream DAC for 7 days. RESULTS: Both instruments showed a significant and relevant correlation (p < 0.0001; Spearman coefficient of r = 0.8647). CM 825i and CM 825 differentiate significantly between normal and high SCH. Both devices showed comparable robustness in repeated measurements with a CV between 5.6% and 9.2%. CONCLUSION: We could show a significant correlation between both devices and a comparable differentiation between low and high SCH and comparable CVs. The real-life use demonstrated adequate acquiring and transmitting of in vivo data to a smartphone and subsequently transmitting to the secure server with low numbers of missed transmissions (<0.2%) and missed measurements (<5%).

Skin Physiology, Mucosal Functions, and Symptoms Are Modulated by Grass Pollen and Ozone Double Exposure in Allergic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Along with climate changes, we see an increase in allergic symptoms and the number of pollen-allergic patients in many countries. Increased allergic symptoms are associated with an elevated ozone exposure which may be linked by impaired epithelial barrier function. This study aimed to quantify the clinical effect of ozone and pollen double exposure (DE). We tested whether ozone impairs barrier-related skin physiology and mucosal functions under DE with pollen in grass pollen-allergic patients versus healthy controls. METHODS: This case-control study included 8 grass pollen-allergic patients and 8 non-allergic healthy subjects exposed to grass pollen and ozone in the GA2LEN pollen chamber, comparing shorter and longer DE duration. Non-invasive skin physiological parameters were assessed, including stratum corneum hydration, skin redness, surface pH, and basal transepidermal water loss as a parameter for epidermal barrier function. The subjects' general well-being, bronchial, nasal, and ocular symptoms were documented. RESULTS: Skin physiology tests revealed that DE in allergic patients deteriorates the epidermal barrier function and increases the surface pH and skin redness. DE significantly induced nasal secretion in pollen-allergic versus healthy subjects, which was more pronounced with longer DE. The general well-being was significantly impaired under DE versus pollen or ozone alone, with a negative influence of DE duration. No relevant bronchial symptoms were recorded. CONCLUSION: Skin physiology and nasal mucosal symptoms are negatively affected by ozone and grass pollen DE in allergic patients. The negative effects showed, in some parameters, a dose (time)-response relationship. The pH can be regarded as a possible modulatory mechanism.