The identification of biophysical parameters which reflect skin status following mechanical and chemical insults

Abstract

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Biophysical and biochemical changes in skin health of healthcare professionals using respirators during COVID‐19 pandemic

“…This might indicate that more time is required in order for this cytokine to migrate and be detectable at the skin surface. The biochemical parameters have highlighted the importance of cluster analysis, where sub‐groups within a healthy cohort respond differently to given external stimuli, as has been demonstrated by previous studies from the host laboratory 7,8 …”

“…This was surprising given that skin redness was visibly evident in the loaded sites of some participants, and other studies have reported significant evidence of redness following respirator application 12,25 . This may be due to the lack of sensitivity in measurement system 28,29 and its dependence on skin pigmentation 7 . The application of the Mexameter was also limited by the curved location of the nasal bridge, which could have introduced errors in the detection of erythema.…”

“…The biochemical parameters have highlighted the importance of cluster analysis, where sub-groups within a healthy cohort respond differently to given external stimuli, as has been demonstrated by previous studies from the host laboratory. 7,8 The present study has examined any correlations between intrinsic and extrinsic factors and the ratio changes in TEWL and inflammatory cytokines. As an example, the ratio changes in TEWL were significantly associated with participants' BMI at the bridge of the nose (Figure 4).…”

“… 5 These include physical sensors to monitor the mechanical and thermal skin contact conditions, biophysical parameters to evaluate barrier function and hydration, and biomarkers reflecting local skin physiology including inflammation and ischemia. 6 Indeed, parameters such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, skin erythema and surface pH have been used in studies following skin exposure to mechanical loading, 7 moisture 8 and chemical irritation. 9 Recently, one randomized crossover study, evaluating N95 and surgical masks, reported increased levels of TEWL, SC hydration and pH following N95 respirator application.…”

The Science of Skin: Measuring Damage and Assessing Risk

“…The literature reviewed emphasizes that a single parameter is not entirely sufficient to describe the skin barrier and therefore a variety of methods should be used. 46 This is also supported by a recent publication aimed to identify a set of robust parameters sensitive to mechanical and chemical challenges to skin integrity: Jayabal et al 137 attempted to use quantitative skin assessment methods to aid the early detection of skin damage for potential clinical application. They found that thresholds derived from single biophysical parameters were limited in detecting skin changes following insults.…”