Epidermal Barrier (epidermal + barrier)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Terms modified by Epidermal Barrier

  • epidermal barrier function

  • Selected Abstracts


    Current knowledge of host response in human tinea

    MYCOSES, Issue 4 2009
    J. Brasch
    Summary Skin infection caused by dermatophytes is called tinea. In this short review, the known mechanisms and factors involved in human tinea and important for the host response are briefly delineated. To establish tinea, fungal propagules must attach to the skin, germinate and overcome the epidermal barrier. Keratinases and other enzymes are released in this process and host keratinocytes are activated. This is followed by an inflammatory response mediated by a plentitude of cytokines and receptors, comprising innate as well as acquired immunity, including neutrophilic granulocytes, macrophages, antibodies and T cells. Cellular defence mechanisms appear to be decisive for clearing of infection. Nails and hair follicles are the particular sites often invaded by dermatophytes that show distinctive patterns of infection. Nails are largely excluded from defence mechanisms and steroid hormones of the pilosebaceous units may have a particular effect on follicular infection. Fungal invasion of the dermis can cause granulomatous reactions. Immune reactions to dermatophytes may lead to sterile eruptions distant from the infected skin areas. [source]


    Evidence that stress to the epidermal barrier influenced the development of pigmentation in humans

    PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009
    Peter M. Elias
    First page of article [source]


    Influence of short-term exposure to airborne Der p 1 and volatile organic compounds on skin barrier function and dermal blood flow in patients with atopic eczema and healthy individuals

    CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2006
    J. Huss-Marp
    Summary Background Epidemiological studies indicate environmental pollutants to be involved in the increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases. In human exposure studies, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been shown to cause exacerbations of allergic asthma whereas, no data concerning atopic eczema (AE) are available. Objective We investigated the effect of airborne VOCs on the skin of patients with AE and controls in the presence or absence of house dust mite allergen, Der p 1. Methods In a double-blind crossover study, 12 adults with AE and 12 matched healthy volunteers were exposed on their forearms to Der p 1 and subsequently to a mixture of 22 VOCs (M22, 5 mg/m3) in a total body exposure chamber for 4 h. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin blood flow were measured in all subjects before, during and after exposure. Additionally, an atopy patch test (APT) with Der p 1 was applied to the skin after exposure. Results A significant increase in transepidermal water loss was observed 48 h after exposure to VOCs as compared with exposure with filtered air in all individuals (mean difference: +34%; 95% Confidence Interval: 7,69%). Prior Der p 1 exposure resulted in a significant rise of dermal blood flow after 48 h in patients with AE but not in controls. Six out of seven patients showed enhanced atopy patch test (APT) reactions to HDM allergen after previous exposure to VOCs. Conclusion Our results show that exposure to VOCs , at concentrations commonly found in indoor environments , can damage the epidermal barrier and enhance the adverse effect of Der p 1 on sensitized subjects with AE. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the increase in prevalence and exacerbation of AE. [source]


    Skin care for preterm and term neonates

    CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2009
    F. S. Afsar
    Summary Neonatal skin experiences a progressive adaptation to the extrauterine environment during which special care is needed. The immaturity of the epidermal barrier in the neonatal period may cause dry skin, vulnerability to trauma, rapid onset of microbial colonization and percutaneous drug toxicity. This article reviews the practical implications for hygiene, bathing practices, skin integrity, emollient use, infection control and exposure to percutaneous toxic agents in preterm and term infants. [source]


    Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2002
    GL Darmstadt
    Topical therapy to enhance skin barrier function may be a simple, low-cost, effective strategy to improve outcome of preterm infants with a developmentally compromised epidermal barrier, as lipid constituents of topical products may act as a mechanical barrier and augment synthesis of barrier lipids. Natural oils are applied topically as part of a traditional oil massage to neonates in many developing countries. We sought to identify inexpensive, safe, vegetable oils available in developing countries that improved epidermal barrier function. The impact of oils on mouse epidermal barrier function (rate of transepidermal water loss over time following acute barrier disruption by tape-stripping) and ultrastructure was determined. A single application of sunflower seed oil significantly accelerated skin barrier recovery within 1 h; the effect was sustained 5 h after application. In contrast, the other vegetable oils tested (mustard, olive and soybean oils) all significantly delayed recovery of barrier function compared with control- or Aquaphor-treated skin. Twice-daily applications of mustard oil for 7 d resulted in sustained delay of barrier recovery. Moreover, adverse ultrastructural changes were seen under transmission electron microscopy in keratin intermediate filament, mitochondrial, nuclear, and nuclear envelope structure following a single application of mustard oil. Conclusion: Our data suggest that topical application of linoleate-enriched oil such as sunflower seed oil might enhance skin barrier function and improve outcome in neonates with compromised barrier function. Mustard oil, used routinely in newborn care throughout South Asia, has toxic effects on the epidermal barrier that warrant further investigation. [source]