Electrical impedance compared with other non-invasive bioengineering techniques and visual scoring for detection of irritation in human skin

Abstract

A new, non-invasive device, which enables local measurements of electrical impedance to a controlled depth, has been used to evaluate the degree of irritation in human skin. The results have been compared with those obtained using other non-invasive techniques, i.e. with transepidermal water loss (TEWL), electrical capacitance moist measurement (ECM), laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and visual scoring. Sodium lauryl sulphate solutions (0.1-5.0%), and a blank, were applied in Finn Chambers for 24 h on the volar forearm of 10 healthy volunteers. Values were recorded before application of the test chambers, and at 1 h, 24 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after removal. Thus, both the degree of initial damage and the healing process were monitored. There was close agreement among values obtained using electrical impedance, TEWL and visual readings. Results obtained using ECM and LDF were not consistent with the other three methods. In evaluating irritation of the skin, the practical situation may influence the choice of bioengineering tools. In most circumstances, a combination of methods would be preferable.

Do Urea and Sodium Chloride together Increase the Efficacy of Moisturisers for Atopic Dermatitis Skin?

“…In the present study, we found that TEWL increased, but not significantly, after urea cream on days 7 and 14. This is in agreement with our earlier studies where we have observed that TEWL is vulnerable to a number of external factors that are difficult to control and also to the psychological status of the study subjects [13,21,22]. Two extensive textbooks putting perspectives on skin bioengineering and moisturisers have recently been published [6,26].…”

“…Impedance spectroscopy permits the study of various experimental skin reactions [21][22][23] and subclinical effects of irritants on the skin [24]. The main drawback of the skin electrical impedance method is that the detailed structural tissue correlates for impedance spectra are still unknown.…”

Urea and Sodium Chloride in Moisturisers for Skin of the Elderly – A Comparative, Double-Blind, Randomised Study

“…With the impedance technique, skin reactions during various experiments [31][32][33][34][35] and subclinical skin effects of irritants [34] can be studied. The main drawback of the skin electrical impedance method is our lack of knowledge about details of the structural tissue correlates for obtaining impedance spectra.…”

Using Alcohol for Hand Antisepsis: Dispelling Old Myths

“…Measurement of electrical capacitance of nurses' skin by the investigators was an appropriate method for assessing skin dryness. 34 ' 36 ' 37 Finally, we evaluated only one commercially available alcoholic hand gel. Such products vary considerably in their formulation, and it is possible that other alcoholic hand gels or rinses may not have produced the same results.…”