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Skin Barrier Function (skin + barrier_function)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	90%
2 Other Domains	10%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Dermatology	84%
Allergy & Clinical Immunology	10%

Selected Abstracts

Effect of Standardized Skin Care Regimens on Neonatal Skin Barrier Function in Different Body Areas

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
Natalie Garcia Bartels M.D.
In a prospective, randomized clinical study, we compared the influence of three skin care regimens to bathing with water on skin barrier function in newborns at four anatomic sites. A total of 64 healthy, full-term neonates (32 boys and 32 girls) aged <48 hours were randomly assigned to four groups receiving twice-weekly: WG, bathing with wash gel (n = 16); C, bathing and cream (n = 16); WG + C, bathing with wash gel plus cream (n = 16); and B, bathing with water (n = 16). Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, skin pH, sebum were measured on day 2, week 2, 4, 8 of life on front, abdomen, upper leg, and buttock. Skin condition was scored and microbiologic colonization was documented. After 8 weeks, group WG + C showed significantly lower transepidermal water loss on front, abdomen, and upper leg as well as higher stratum corneum hydration on front and abdomen compared with group B. Similarly, group C showed lower transepidermal water loss and higher stratum corneum hydration on these body regions. Group WG revealed significantly lower pH on all sites compared with group B at week 8. No differences in sebum level, microbiologic colonization and skin condition score were found. Skin care regimens did not harm physiologic neonatal skin barrier adaptation within the first 8 weeks of life. However, significant influence of skin care on barrier function was found in a regional specific fashion. [source]

Are there predominant strains and toxins of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis patients?

THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Genotypic characterization, adult patients with atopic dermatitis, toxin determination of S. aureus isolated in adolescent
ABSTRACT The colonization of Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important aggravating factors of atopic dermatitis (AD). Until now, the importance of S. aureus in AD and a positive correlation between colonization with S. aureus and clinical severity/skin barrier function has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are certain clones of S. aureus which colonize the skin of AD patients. For this purpose, the genotype of S. aureus isolated from AD patients was examined by newly-developed typing methods. With 36 strains of S. aureus isolated from 35 patients with AD, spa typing, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and staphylococcal toxin gene assay by multiplex polymerase chain reaction, were performed. Clinical severity and skin barrier function were evaluated with eczema area and severity index (EASI) and with transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Among 36 strains of S. aureus, 14 sequence types (ST) and 20 spa types were identified, suggesting a very heterogeneous genetic composition of S. aureus and the absence of a prevailing genotype in S. aureus colonized with AD patients. Furthermore, there was no specific genotype of S. aureus which was associated with the clinical severity of AD or skin barrier dysfunction. A toxin gene assay, however, showed the predominance of S. aureus strains carrying sea and/or tsst-1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to show the genetic composition of S. aureus strains isolated from AD patients determined by sequence-based typing methods. [source]

Non-invasive bioengineering methods in an intervention study in 1020 male metal workers: results and implications for occupational dermatology

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2010
Birgitta Kütting
Background: Measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator of skin barrier function and colorimetry for quantifying erythema have been recommended for monitoring persons at risk of occupational hand dermatitis. Objective: This study examines the practicability and usefulness of biophysical measurements at the workplace. Patients/Material/Methods: A sample of 1020 male metal workers was enrolled; 800 participants were followed up for 1 year. TEWL results and colorimetry (a* value), respectively, were used as effectiveness outcomes, comparing the findings in the four study arms (skin care, skin protection, both combined, and control group). Results: At 1 year follow-up, the TEWL was slightly but significantly lower in the group of participants randomized for application of barrier cream alone, indicating a protective effect. However, addressing both the individual absolute change of a* value and the differences of TEWL (delta-TEWL) of the dominant hand over the study period, no significant difference was found between the four groups. Conclusions: Dermatological examinations at the workplace cannot be replaced by bioengineering techniques. The supplementary benefit is apparently low, possibly because of difficulties in achieving standardized measurement conditions and other technical reasons. [source]

Lipids and skin barrier function , a clinical perspective

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2008
Jakob Mutanu Jungersted
The stratum corneum (SC) protects us from dehydration and external dangers. Much is known about the morphology of the SC and penetration of drugs through it, but the data are mainly derived from in vitro and animal experiments. In contrast, only a few studies have the human SC lipids as their focus and in particular, the role of barrier function in the pathogenesis of skin disease and its subsequent treatment protocols. The 3 major lipids in the SC of importance are ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol. Human studies comparing levels of the major SC lipids in patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls have suggested a possible role for ceramide 1 and to some extent ceramide 3 in the pathogenesis of the disease. Therapies used in diseases involving barrier disruption have been sparely investigated from a lipid perspective. It has been suggested that ultraviolet light as a treatment increases the amount of all 3 major SC lipids, while topical glucocorticoids may lead to a decrease. Such effects may influence the clinical outcome of treatment in diseases with impaired barrier function. We have, therefore, conducted a review of the literature on SC lipids from a clinical perspective. It may be concluded that the number of human studies is very limited, and in the perspective of how important diseases of impaired barrier function are in dermatology, further research is needed. [source]

Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010
Audrey Guéniche
Please cite this paper as: Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e1,e8. Abstract:, Reactive skin is characterized by marked sensitivity to physical (heat, cold, wind) or chemical (topically applied products) stimuli and by the impairment of the skin barrier's ability to repair itself. Several lines of evidence suggest that beyond their capacity to positively influence the composition of intestinal microbiota, some probiotic bacteria can modulate the immune system both at local and systemic levels, thereby improving immune defense mechanisms and/or down-regulating immune disorders such as allergies and intestinal inflammation. Several recent human clinical trials clearly suggest that probiotic supplementation might be beneficial to the skin. Using a probiotic lysate, Bifidobacterium longum sp. extract (BL), we demonstrated first in vitro, and then in a clinical trial, that this non-replicating bacteria form applied to the skin was able to improve sensitive skin. The effect of BL were evaluated first on two different models. Using ex vivo human skin explant model we found a statistically significant improvement versus placebo in various parameters associated with inflammation such as a decrease in vasodilation, oedema, mast cell degranulation and TNF-alpha release. Moreover, using nerve cell cultures in vitro, we showed that after 6 h of incubation in culture medium (0.3,1%), the probiotic lysate significantly inhibited capsaicin-induced CGRP release by neurones. Then, a topical cream containing the active extract was tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sixty-six female volunteers with reactive skin were randomly given either the cream with the bacterial extract at 10% (n = 33) or the control cream (n = 33). The volunteers applied the cream to the face, arms and legs twice a day for two months. Skin sensitivity was assessed by stinging test (lactic acid) and skin barrier recovery was evaluated by measuring trans-epidermal water loss following barrier disruption induced by repeated tape-stripping at D1, D29 and D57. The results demonstrated that the volunteers who applied the cream with bacterial extract had a significant decrease in skin sensitivity at the end of the treatment. Moreover, the treatment led to increase skin resistance against physical and chemical aggression compared to the group of volunteers who applied the control cream. Notably, the number of strippings required to disrupt skin barrier function was significantly increased for volunteers treated with the active cream. Clinical and self-assessment scores revealed a significant decrease in skin dryness after 29 days for volunteers treated with the cream containing the 10% bacterial extract. Since in vitro studies demonstrated that, on one hand, isolate sensitive neurones release less CGRP under capsaicin stimulation in the presence of the bacterial extract and, on the other hand, increased skin resistance in volunteers applying the test cream, we speculate that this new ingredient may decrease skin sensitivity by reducing neurone reactivity and neurone accessibility. The results of this studies demonstrate that this specific bacterial extract has a beneficial effect on reactive skin. These findings suggest that new approaches, based on a bacteria lysate, could be developed for the treatment and/or prevention of symptoms related to reactive skin. [source]

A 7-step consultation plan for health care workers and hairdressers

JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 9 2007
Stephanie Soost
Summary Background: Skin diseases are among the most common occupational disor-ders in health care workers and hairdressers. Optimal prevention methods make it possible for more individuals to remain active in their profession. We devised a 7-step consultation plan which was employed in a standard fashion and then evaluated. Patients and Methods: 264 employes were evaluated in the Education and Support Center of the German Accident Prevention and Insurance Association in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW schu.ber.z Berlin) from 2003 to 2005 in a standardized manner. Included were detailed history, physical examination, skin physiology measurements (transepidermal water loss, corneometry, sebumetry) and then making a diagnosis and therapeutic recommendations. Results: Within the study group of 264 employes the most frequent diagnosis were toxic-irritant hand eczema (28.4%), allergic contact eczema (19.7%), atopic eczema (15.5%) and irritant contact eczema with atopic diathesis (13.6%). The frequency of contact sensitivity was high in the study group (80.7%). The skin physiological parameters were not remarkably altered and did not differ between individuals with an atopic diathesis versus without an atopic diathesis. Conclusion: This standardized protocol for a "7-step consultation plan"when applied in a standardized manner offers quality-controlled but also individually-adapted support considering dermatological, educational and occupational aspects. Skin physiology parameters did not provide any further information indicating the need of the development of novel techniques to measure skin barrier function. [source]

Skin permeability enhancement by low frequency sonophoresis: Lipid extraction and transport pathways

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2003
R. Alvarez-Román
Abstract The objective of this study was to shed light on the mechanism(s) by which low-frequency ultrasound (20 KHz) enhances the permeability of the skin. The physical effects on the barrier and the transport pathway, in particular, were examined. The amount of lipid removed from the intercellular domains of the stratum corneum following sonophoresis was determined by infrared spectroscopy. Transport of the fluorescent probes nile red and calcein, under the influence of ultrasound, was evaluated by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. The results were compared with the appropriate passive control data and with data obtained from experiments in which the skin was exposed simply to the thermal effects induced by ultrasound treatment. A significant fraction (,30%) of the intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum, which are principally responsible for skin barrier function, were removed during the application of low-frequency sonophoresis. Although the confocal images from the nile red experiments were not particularly informative, ultrasound clearly and significantly (again, relative to the corresponding controls) facilitated transport of the hydrophilic calcein via discrete permeabilized regions, whereas other areas of the barrier were apparently unaffected. Lipid removal from the stratum corneum is implicated as a factor contributing the observed permeation enhancement effects of low-frequency ultrasound. However, microscopic observations imply that sonophoresis induces localized (aqueous?) permeation pathways at discrete sites. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 92:1138,1146, 2003 [source]

Allergy to peanut oil , clinically relevant?

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
J Ring
Abstract The increasing prevalence of food allergies (especially allergy to peanuts) has led to a discussion of how safe topical preparations containing peanut oil are with respect to allergy. The major allergens from peanuts are proteins that have been characterized at a molecular level and cloned. Clinical signs of peanut allergy symptoms can be observed on the skin (urticaria), or in the gastrointestinal and/or respiratory tract culminating in cardiovascular symptoms and anaphylactic reactions. In most cases, symptoms are elicited by oral uptake; rarely, a contact urticaria has been described. In vegetable oils, the contents of protein differ depending on the production process: crude oils contain approximately 100 times more proteins than refined oils. This has clear-cut implications for allergic individuals. Quantitative data are available regarding elicitation of symptoms in allergic individuals with a threshold dose of 0.1,1 mg peanut allergen in oral provocation tests. There are anecdotal reports of adverse reactions after topical use of peanut oils. In one epidemiological trial, an association between topical use of skin care products containing peanut oil and the development of peanut allergy was observed; however, the data reflect a retrospective analysis without specifying skin care products containing peanut oil and also without analysing the quantity of topicals used. In contrast, oral tolerance was prevented and allergic sensitization was enhanced in a mouse model using high concentrations of peanut protein. So far, no reliable data are available regarding doses required to induce sensitization against peanut allergen via the epidermal route. A possible induction of sensitization against peanut proteins through contact with the skin via skin care products and the respective protein concentrations is a matter of speculation. Patients with atopic diseases, namely eczema, need appropriate skin care because of the disturbed skin barrier function. The benefit of avoiding damage to skin barrier functions of atopic individuals by the use of peanut protein-containing skin care products seems to outweigh possible risks of sensitization and/or allergy induction against substances contained in those products containing refined peanut oil. [source]

Stratum corneum lipids, skin barrier function and filaggrin mutations in patients with atopic eczema

ALLERGY, Issue 7 2010
J. M. Jungersted
To cite this article: Jungersted JM, Scheer H, Mempel M, Baurecht H, Cifuentes L, Høgh JK, Hellgren LI, Jemec GBE, Agner T, Weidinger S. Stratum corneum lipids, skin barrier function and filaggrin mutations in patients with atopic eczema. Allergy 2010; 65: 911,918. Abstract Background:, Prior to the discovery of filaggrin (FLG) mutations, evidence for an impaired skin barrier in atopic dermatitis (AD) has been documented, and changes in ceramide profile, altered skin pH and increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in patients with AD have been reported. Until now, no studies have analysed stratum corneum (SC) lipids combined with skin barrier parameters in subjects of known FLG genotype. Methods:, A cohort of 49 German individuals genotyped for the most common FLG mutations (R501X, 2282del4) had SC samples taken for lipid analysis by high-performance thin layer chromatography. In addition, TEWL, erythema, skin hydration and pH were measured. In 27 of the 49 individuals, a 24-h irritation patch test with sodium lauryl sulphate was performed. For the analysis, both the AD group and the control group were stratified by FLG mutation status (FLGmut/FLGwt). Results:, In the FLGmut AD group, significantly lower levels of ceramide 4 and significantly higher levels of ceramide 7 were observed when compared to both healthy control groups. However, ceramide 7 levels also significantly differed between FLGwt AD and FLGwt controls, as did ceramide 1 levels. No significant differences were observed for ceramide 2, 3, 5 and 6. FLGmut individuals had significantly higher skin pH values than individuals not carrying FLG mutations. Patients with AD with FLG mutations had significantly higher erythema compared to patients with AD without FLG mutations. Conclusion:, Our results confirm previous observations of altered ceramide levels in AD, which however appear to show no clear relationship with FLG mutations. [source]

Effect of Standardized Skin Care Regimens on Neonatal Skin Barrier Function in Different Body Areas

DNA Damage, Apoptosis and Langerhans Cells,Activators of UV-induced Immune Tolerance,

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
Laura Timares
Solar UVR is highly mutagenic but is only partially absorbed by the outer stratum corneum of the epidermis. UVR can penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis, depending on melanin content, where it induces DNA damage and apoptosis in epidermal cells, including those in the germinative basal layer. The cellular decision to initiate either cellular repair or undergo apoptosis has evolved to balance the acute need to maintain skin barrier function with the long-term risk of retaining precancerous cells. Langerhans cells (LCs) are positioned suprabasally, where they may sense UV damage directly, or indirectly through recognition of apoptotic vesicles and soluble mediators derived from surrounding keratinocytes. Apoptotic vesicles will contain UV-induced altered proteins that may be presented to the immune system as foreign. The observation that UVR induces immune tolerance to skin-associated antigens suggests that this photodamage response has evolved to preserve the skin barrier by protecting it from autoimmune attack. LC involvement in this process is not clear and controversial. We will highlight some basic concepts of photobiology and review recent advances pertaining to UV-induced DNA damage, apoptosis regulation, novel immunomodulatory mechanisms and the role of LCs in generating antigen-specific regulatory T cells. [source]

Liposomes in investigative dermatology

PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE, Issue 5 2001
Daniel B. Yarosh
Liposomes are microscopic spheres, usually composed of amphiphilic phospholipids. They may be useful without skin penetration if they simply protect or sequester compounds that would otherwise be unstable in the formulation. Liposomes that remain on the skin surface are useful as light-absorbers, agents to deliver color or sunscreens, or as depots for timed-release. Liposomes that penetrate the stratum corneum have the potential to interact with living tissue. Topically applied liposomes can either mix with the stratum corneum lipid matrix or penetrate the stratum corneum by exploiting the lipid-water interface of the intercellular matrix. There are at least four major routes of entry into the skin: pores, hair follicles, columnular spaces and the lipid:water matrix between squames. A major force driving liposome penetration is the water gradient, and flexible liposomes are best able to exploit these delivery opportunities. Some liposomes release their contents extracellularly. Topical application of photosensitizers may be enhanced by encapsulation in liposomes. Higher and longer-lasting drug concentrations may be produced in localized areas of skin, particularly at disease sites where the stratum corneum and the skin barrier function are disrupted. The liposome membrane should be designed to capture lipophilic drugs in the membrane or hydrophilic drugs in the interior. Other types of liposomes can be engineered to be taken up by cells. Once inside cells, the lysosomal sac and clatherin-coated pit are the dead-end destinations for liposomes unless an escape path has been engineered into the liposome. A novel method has been developed to allow delivery into cells of the skin, by escape from the lysosomal sac. These liposomes have been used to topical deliver active DNA repair enzymes from liposomes into epidermal cells and to enhance DNA repair of UV-irradiated skin. From these studies a tremendous amount has been learned about the relationship of DNA damage and skin cancer. Both mutations and immunosuppression appear to be essential to skin cancer and both are induced by DNA damage. DNA damage produces immediate effects by inducing the expression of cytokines, which means that DNA damage can induce signaling in neighboring, undamaged cells. The repair of only a fraction of the DNA damage has a disproportionate effect on the biological responses, clearly demonstrating that not all DNA damage is equivalent. This technology demonstrates that biologically active proteins can be delivered into the cells of skin, and opens up a new field of correcting or enhancing skin cell metabolism to improve human health. [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]

Are there predominant strains and toxins of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis patients?

Noninvasive bioengineering assessment of the skin barrier function in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
I. Angelova-Fischer
Summary Background Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) comprises all symptoms caused by permanent venous and capillary hypertension. While the clinical manifestations of the disease have been well characterized, there is little knowledge on the skin barrier function in the affected patients. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess noninvasively the barrier function in patients with CVI stage C2 and stage C4 according to the CEAP classification in comparison with healthy controls (stage C0). Methods Thirty patients with CVI without concomitant diseases and 15 healthy, aged-matched controls were recruited for the study. The skin barrier function was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance and skin colour symmetrically on the calf, medial and lateral malleolus, posterior arch (arcus venosus) and volar forearm. Results Compared with the forearm, there was a tendency for increased TEWL and significant reduction of capacitance on all measurement sites on the lower limb. Compared with the control group, the patients with CVI had significantly higher TEWL values on all measurement sites on the lower extremities while no difference in capacitance between patients and controls was observed. Conclusions Changes in the epidermal barrier function in patients with CVI are readily detectable by bioengineering methods as early as stage C2 and are manifested by significantly increased TEWL. Our results suggest that the reduced stratum corneum hydration in patients with CVI is due to anatomical differences rather than venous disease. These findings may help better understand the factors contributing to disease progression and its complications. [source]

Comparison of skin barrier function and sensory nerve electric current perception threshold between IgE-high extrinsic and IgE-normal intrinsic types of atopic dermatitis

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
T. Mori
Summary Background, Two types of atopic dermatitis (AD) have been proposed, with different pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this seemingly heterogeneous disorder. The extrinsic type shows high IgE levels presumably as a consequence of skin barrier damage and feasible allergen permeation, whereas the intrinsic type exhibits normal IgE levels and is not mediated by allergen-specific IgE. Objectives, To investigate the relationship between pruritus perception threshold and skin barrier function of patients with AD in a comparison between the extrinsic and intrinsic types. Methods, Enrolled in this study were 32 patients with extrinsic AD, 17 with intrinsic AD and 24 healthy individuals. The barrier function of the stratum corneum was assessed by skin surface hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pruritus perception was evaluated by the electric current perception threshold (CPT) of sensory nerves upon neuroselective transcutaneous electric stimulation. Results, Skin surface hydration was significantly lower and TEWL was significantly higher in extrinsic AD than intrinsic AD or normal controls. Although there was no statistically significant difference in CPT among extrinsic AD, intrinsic AD and normal controls, CPT was significantly correlated with skin surface hydration and inversely with TEWL in intrinsic AD and normal controls, but not extrinsic AD. Finally, CPT was correlated with the visual analogue scale of itch in the nonlesional skin of patients with extrinsic but not intrinsic AD. Conclusions, Patients with extrinsic AD have an impaired barrier, which increases the pre-existing pruritus but rather decreases sensitivity to external stimuli. In contrast, patients with intrinsic AD retain a normal barrier function and sensory reactivity to external pruritic stimuli. [source]

Wet-wrap treatment using dilutions of tacrolimus ointment and fluticasone propionate cream in human APOC1 (+/+) mice with atopic dermatitis

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
A.P. Oranje
Summary Background, Wet-wrap treatment (WWT) with diluted topical steroids is widely used in atopic dermatitis (AD). Mice with transgenic overexpression of human apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) in the liver and the skin are not only characterized by hyperlipidaemia and raised IgE levels, but also by pruritic dermatitis and a disturbed skin barrier function, providing a novel in vivo mouse model for AD. Objectives, We investigated an adapted WWT method in the AD model in APOC1 mice in order to establish its efficacy. Methods, The effect of topical 0·1% and 0·03% tacrolimus ointment, tacrolimus base ointment, different dilutions of 0·05% fluticasone propionate (FP) cream and emollient on the development of dermatitis in APOC1 mice was investigated. WWT was performed with 0·03% tacrolimus ointment or 0·017% FP cream. Results, AD in APOC1 mice responded to topical treatment with tacrolimus or FP. In contrast to tacrolimus treatment, FP treatment was associated with loss of body weight. WWT reinforced several therapeutic aspects, notably improvements in transepidermal water loss and in epidermal thickness. WWT using tacrolimus 0·03% ointment was more effective than WWT using FP 0·017% cream. Conclusions, AD in APOC1 mice responds to treatment with (diluted) tacrolimus or FP; treatment with FP cream, but not tacrolimus ointment, was associated with weight loss. In this study, the adapted WWT using tacrolimus or FP in mice had a limited improving effect as compared with open application of tacrolimus or FP. [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]

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]