Damaged Skin (damaged + skin)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Opioids and the skin , where do we stand?

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Paul L. Bigliardi
Abstract:, The common ectodermal origin of the skin and nervous systems can be expected to predict likely interactions in the adult. Over the last couple of decades much progress has been made to elucidate the nature of these interactions, which provide multidirectional controls between the centrally located brain and the peripherally located skin and immune system. The opioid system is an excellent example of such an interaction and there is growing evidence that opioid receptors (OR) and their endogenous opioid agonists are functional in different skin structures, including peripheral nerve fibres, keratinocytes, melanocytes, hair follicles and immune cells. Greater knowledge of these skin-associated opioid interactions will be important for the treatment of chronic and acute pain and pruritus. Topical treatment of the skin with opioid ligands is particularly attractive as they are active with few side effects, especially if they cannot cross the blood,brain barrier. Moreover, cutaneous activation of the opioid system (e.g. by peripheral nerves, cutaneous and immune cells, especially in inflamed and damaged skin) can influence cell differentiation and apoptosis, and thus may be important for the repair of damaged skin. While many of the pieces of this intriguing puzzle remain to be found, we attempt in this review to weave a thread around available data to discuss how the peripheral opioid system may impact on different key players in skin physiology and pathology. [source]


Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in a general hospital, China

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009
Min Zhang BM
Abstract Objectives To understand current status of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF), and awareness of knowledge about occupational bloodborne pathogen exposures and universal precaution among hospital-based health care workers (HCWs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during April to May 2004 to study incidence of occupational exposure to BBF among 1,144 hospital-based HCWs. Results The total incidence and the average number of episodes exposure to BBF was 66.3/100 HCWs per year and 7.5 per person per year in the past year, respectively. The incidence (per 100/HCWs per year) and the average number of episodes (per HCW per year) of percutaneous injury (PCI), mucous-membrane exposure (MME), and exposure to BBF by damaged skin was 50.3 and 1.8; 34.4 and 1.7; and 37.9 and 4.0, respectively. The leading incidence and the average number of episodes of PCI occurred in delivery room (82.6 and 1.8). The highest percentage of PCI's that occurred during the previous 2 weeks occurred during a surgical operation (22.8%). Of all sharp instruments, the suture needle contributed the highest percentage of PCI's (24.7%) among HCWs in the last 2 weeks. Over two-thirds (68.3%) of respondents were immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine; less than one-half (47%) of HCWs wore gloves while doing procedures on patients. The respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding transmission of bloodborne diseases and universal precautions. Conclusions Risk for potential exposure to BBF appears high in HCWs, and almost all of episodes are not reported. It is urgent to establish the Guideline for Prevention and Control of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens among HCWs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:89,98, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Skin barrier function recovery after diamond microdermabrasion

THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2009
Hei Sung KIM
Abstract Microdermabrasion is a popular method for facial rejuvenation and is performed worldwide. Despite its extensive usage, there are few publications on skin barrier change after microdermabrasion and none concerning diamond microdermabrasion. Our object was to see changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and erythema of the face following diamond microdermabrasion. Twenty-eight patients were included in this spilt face study. TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and the degree of erythema were measured from the right and left sides of the face (forehead and cheek) at baseline. One side of the face was treated with diamond microdermabrasion and the other side was left untreated. Measurements were taken right after the procedure and repeated at set time intervals. Diamond microdermabrasion was associated with a statistically significant increase in TEWL immediately after the procedure and at 24 h. However, on day 2, levels of TEWL were back to baseline. An increase in hydration and erythema was observed right after microdermabrasion, but both returned to baseline on day 1. The results show that skin barrier function of the forehead and cheek recovers within 2 days of diamond microdermabrasion. Diamond microdermabrasion performed on a weekly basis, as presently done, is expected to allow sufficient time for the damaged skin to recover its barrier function in most parts of the face. [source]


Serum antidiuretic hormone is elevated in relation to the increase in average total body transepidermal water loss in severe atopic dermatitis

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
T. Aoki
Summary Background, While elevation of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (arginine vasopressin) levels in the serum has been reported in severe atopic dermatitis (AD), the cause is as yet unexplained. On the other hand, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is known to increase in the damaged skin due to AD. Objectives, As ADH increases as a result of dehydration of the body, this study examined whether the high ADH level in severe AD is a reaction to the increased water loss through the entire body skin surface area. Methods, Forty-eight patients of different ages and with various degrees of AD along with six age- and sex-matched control persons were the study subjects. Using a quick responsive evaporimeter, an average total body TEWL (ATEWL) value was obtained for each subject. Laboratory tests including ADH, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and peripheral blood eosinophil count (EOS) were also performed. Clinical severity grading was made globally. The relevancy of this grading was empirically demonstrated by its statistically significant relation to LDH and EOS which are commonly known as appropriate gauges for AD severity. Results, ATEWL was observed to be significantly greater in patients with AD of at least moderate severity than in normal controls, and ADH was significantly greater in patients with severe and very severe AD. Both ATEWL and ADH showed a significant relation to AD severity. Finally, a significant correlation was found between ADH and ATEWL. Conclusions, It is possible that elevated ADH is at least in part a reaction to increased ATEWL. [source]