Experimental and Clinical Observations on Dry Skin

Abstract

The problem of dry skin and the attempts to treat or improve this condition are age-old. In the current literature, however, this question is receiving increased consideration, as dryness of the skin is observed in connection with many pathologic and cosmetically important disorders.Recognition of the functions of the horny layer of the skin and of its deeper section (the barrier zone) sheds new light on water distribution in the body surface (1). Many persons of either sex and in any age group suffer from dry skin. Also present may be other pathologic conditions such as eczema or ichthyosis, with or without itching. Rothman (2) stressed the importance of a lipid film which lubricates the skin surface and maintains the coherence of the keratinized cells. Stoughton (3) and others studied the composition of this film and its variations in connection with age, sex, surface area and environmental-especially climatic-factors.Originally, dry skin (asteatosis, xerosis) was explained on the assumption that the surface lubricating lipid film was quantitatively or qualitatively modified or even missing . Blank (1, 4) showed that the hygroscopic cornified material obtained from calluses remained soft and pliable as long as it held water, and that this softness was independent of the lipid material to a certain degree. However, lipid-extracted callus was less flexible than the same callus plate with a normal lipid content, although the lipidless condition did not affect the capacity to hold water, but rather to absorb water. He studied the loss of water in a diffusion chamber with different methods.It should be pointed out that Blank's studies were made on pieces of callus obtained from the sole and heel-parts of the body that do not contain sebaceous glands. Therefore the protective surface film on these areas is different from that on other parts of the body. However, lipid may be produced from the keratinizing epidermal cells.If the lipid substances of the skin surface are inadequate qualitatively or quantitatively, the horny layer is unable to hold water and will become scaly, dry and fissured. Application of lanolin, vaseline or creams improves this condition ( 5 ) . When emulsified material (oil in water) is used, the water evaporates and a very fine oily film remains on the surface. This oily film later retards the evaporation.Pillsbury et al. ( 6 , 7) emphasized the importance of lipid materials in maintaining a soft pliable skin. They claimed that immersion of the dry surface in water, followed by application of grease, has a beneficial effect. The balance be-* Address:

A Bath Oil High in Phospholipid Content

“…The use of emollients which leave a heavy surface film may intensify the itch and contribute to folliculitis. However, in recent years bath oils miscible in water have been developed, and there are several reports on the successful use of these new oils for the treatment of dry skin (5–8). These preparations leave a film of oil on the skin.…”

New Bed‐bathing Routine for Hospital Patients

“…It was postulated that a cleanser which provided the desired antibacterial properties plus emollient action would be superior. Water‐dispersible bath oils have frequently been advocated as a means of controlling problems associated with dry, itching skin (1, 9–15). It was therefore apparent that an ideal skin cleanser for routine daily bathing would consist of an emollient bath containing an antibacterial agent.…”