Effects of prolonged occlusion on stratum corneum barrier function and water holding capacity.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate whether prolonged occlusion can induce stratum corneum barrier damage, alterations in stratum corneum hydration or water-holding capacity (WHC) lasting longer than the occlusion time.


METHODS
12 subjects were occluded on the forearm for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Two hours after occlusion removal, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration were measured and a sorption-desorption test performed.


RESULTS
TEWL showed an increase reaching a plateau on day 2. Hydration and WHC did not show significant changes. Hygroscopicity showed the highest level on day 1, decreasing during the following days. A highly significant correlation between capacitance values and the WHC could be detected (p < 0.0001, r = 0.8206). No correlation could be detected between hygroscopicity and TEWL.


CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged occlusion induces barrier damage without skin dryness. Occlusion also induces an increased hygroscopicity. A correlation between these two findings could not be proven.
Department of Dermatology, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Germany. JFluhr@compuserve.com
J W
JW
Fluhr
S
S
Lazzerini
F
F
Distante
M
M
Gloor
E
E
Berardesca
D000328:Adult; D001834:Body Water / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000502:physiology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013997:Time Factors; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000502:physiology*