Sensitive skin at menopause; dew point and electrometric properties of the stratum corneum.
OBJECTIVE
A number of menopausal women experience skin sensitive to various environmental threats.


METHODS
Two panels of 15 menopausal women on or without HRT were compared. We studied the response of their stratum corneum to variations in environmental humidity, either in air or in response to an emollient. Environment dew point and electrometric measurements on the skin were recorded to search for correlations.


RESULTS
Data show that the baseline stratum corneum hydration is influenced by the dew point. HRT improves the barrier function of the skin. The use of emollient further extends the improvement in the functional properties of skin in menopausal women.


CONCLUSIONS
Both HRT and an emollient can counteract in part some of the deleterious effects of cold and dry weather.
Paquet
F
F
Department of Dermatopathology, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
Piérard-Franchimont
C
C
Fumal
I
I
Goffin
V
V
Paye
M
M
Piérard
G E
GE
D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008524:Medrogestone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods
D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D008524:Medrogestone