The modulation of skin irritation

Abstract

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a multifactorial disease, the onset and modulation of which depend on both endogenous and exogenous factors. Among the former, age, race, site, sex and history of dermatitis may all be important. Such variables can now readily be quantified by objective noninvasive techniques, such as measurement oftransepidermal water loss (TEWL). Moreover, effects of irritants on the epidermis are related to the particular chemical properties of each molecule, contributing further to clinical heterogeneity. Release of cytokines and mediators may be initiated by a number of cells, including living keratinocytes and those of the stratum corneum, thus modulating inflammation and repair. Furthermore, differences in mechanisms of inflammation between acute and chronic lCD may exist, the former being characterized predominantly by inflammation, the latter by hyperproliferation and transient hyperkeratosis. These findings may explain the complexity and difficulty of investigating lCD. Better understanding and quantification of these mechanisms may lead to identification of high-risk individuals and more effective prevention and treatment.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Phototoxicity Assessment of Acylglutamate Surfactants Using a Human Keratinocyte Cell Line

“…Generally, two different pathways (either alone or in combination) are associated with surfactants which can commence and regulate the cutaneous toxicity. First, by damaging the barrier function of the stratum corneum and second, by straightforward effects of surfactant on cutaneous cells [34].…”

Individual susceptibility to chronic irritant contact dermatitis

“…86 Many investigators use the model compound SLS to study the skin irritation response in human volunteers, because of its high irritant potential. 88 This irritant, an anionic surfactant, is frequently used as a foaming agent in cosmetic products such as shampoos, soaps, face and body washes and toothpaste. 84 Several studies reported a large variability in the response to SLS between individuals.…”

Biomaterials as novel penetration enhancers for transdermal and dermal drug delivery systems

“…The events occurring in primary skin irritation represent a complex series of chemical and physiologic changes (Bason et al, 1991). In general, it is accepted that two different pathogenetic pathways may be involved in the process of skin irritation, firstly via damage to the lipid barrier of the SC and secondly via the direct irritation effect on cells of the skin (Berardesca & Distante, 1994;Welss et al, 2004). The skin irritation of a penetration enhancer would be likely more reversible if it only interacts with the intercellular lipids of the SC without affecting keratinocytes or others cells in the epidermis and dermis (Zesch, 1983).…”