Simple monochromatic refractometer for trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
We have developed a novel, portable refractometer (Noevir-Eva) for measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which consists of a light emitting diode and a phototransistor. Cobalt chloride is used as an indicator of the amount of water. Filter paper, previously soaked with cobalt chloride solution and then dried, is attached to the skin with tape (3M Blenderm). Then, the monochromatic light (670 nm) which is yielded from the light-emitting diode is irradiated, reflecting on the above-mentioned filter paper, and the intensity of the reflected light is detected by a phototransistor. The amount of water evaporation from the surface of the skin is determined by the unit of reflected light intensity. The measured values by this new apparatus show a linear relationship with those of the commercially available apparatus (Evaporimeter EP-1). Accordingly, this new refractometer for the TWEL proved to be sensitive, dependable and also inexpensive.
Yamamura
T
T
Shiga Central Research Laboratories, Noevir Co. Ltd., Japan.
Masaki
H
H
Sakon
K
K
Suzuki
K
K
Tezuka
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001834:Body Water / Q000502:physiology*; D003035:Cobalt; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012031:Refractometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible
D003035:Cobalt; C018021:cobaltous chloride