Susceptibility to irritants: role of barrier function, skin dryness and history of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The susceptibility of the skin to various irritants was investigated with the aim of determining the role of the barrier function of the stratum corneum, skin dryness and whether a history of atopic dermatitis (AD) was a factor. The transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured using an evaporimeter and skin hydration using a Corneometer and by visual scoring. The group with a history of AD (n = 20) had a lower pre-exposure barrier function and a higher TEWL value following irritant exposure than the group with a history of allergic contact dermatitis (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). Clinically dry skin was more susceptible than normal skin, though no difference was noted in the pre-exposure barrier function. The increased susceptibility to irritants in those with a past history of AD was probably due to impaired barrier function and/or the presence of a dry skin.

Susceptibility to and incidence of hand dermatitis in a cohort of apprentice hairdressers and nurses.

“…An experimental stud y demonstrated that individuals with dry skin react more strongly to exposure to irritants (9). Other studies found that dry skin was a risk factor, particularly in combination with atopic dermatitis (27) or with atopic mucosal symptoms (28) .…”

Assessment of Epidermal Barrier Function by Photoacoustic Spectrometry in Relation to Its Importance in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis

“…here is a general consensus that disruption of the barrier function of the stratum corneum is an essential etiologic factor for skin inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) (Gloor et al, 1981;Ogawa and Yoshiike, 1993;Tupker et al, 1990). Dysfunction of the stratum corneum seems to be associated with the increased permeability and penetration of environmental irritants and allergens in clinically normal AD skin (Cooper, 1994;Deleuran et al, 1998;Fitzharris and Riley, 1999;Gloor et al, 1981;Ogawa and Yoshiike, 1993;Rothe and Grant-Kels, 1996;Tan et al, 1996;Tanaka et al, 1994;Tupker et al, 1990), which predisposes it to inflammation (Broberg et al, 1992;Lammintausta et al, 1993).…”

Fungus as an Exacerbating Factor of Atopic Dermatitis, and Control of Fungi for the Remission of the Disease

“…Basically, a markedly increased transepidermal water loss and a markedly decreased water holding capacity of the stratum corneum were reported in AD patients (Watanabe et al, 1991). In addition, since the patients showed a higher transepidermal water loss following irritant exposure, the susceptibility to irritants in AD patients seemed to be closely related with a breakdown in the barrier function of the stratum corneum (Tupker et al, 1990). More recently, it has been proposed that AD is a multifactorial, heterogenous disease that arises as a result of the interaction between both environmental and genetic factors (Cork et al, 2009).…”