title: In vivo noninvasive study of the mechanical properties of the human skin after single application of topical corticosteroids.
abstract: A noninvasive in vivo suction device for measuring skin elasticity was used to determine the changes in skin mechanical properties 60 min. after application of 5 commercially available topical corticosteroids as ointments and creams. 25 healthy volunteers (20 females and 5 males, aged 16-55 years, mean age 36 years) were studied. The following relative parameters, independent of skin thickness, were calculated and compared: R2-gross, R5-net, R7-biologic elasticity and R6-viscoelastic/elastic ratio. Corticosteroid ointments increased the purely elastic parameters R2, R5 (P < 0.05) and R7 as well as the parameter of viscoelasticity, R6 (P < 0.001). Corticosteroid creams changed the elastic parameters slightly increasing significantly at the same time the viscoelastic parameter, R6 (P < 0.05). These effects of topical corticosteroid formulations are probably due to the stratum corneum hydration and softening of keratin which improves the epidermal mechanical properties. Moreover, as a result of the dermal oedema and a probable biochemical effect on the basic substance, the friction between the fibres is reduced and interstitial fluid movement through the fibrous network is facilitated. The noninvasive method applied can be useful for an evaluation and comparison of the effects of different topical preparations on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of human skin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dobrev
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D004548:Elasticity / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones