Occlusion vs. skin barrier function.
OBJECTIVE
Skin occlusion may increase percutaneous absorption of applied chemicals, with some exceptions. It also obstructs the normal ventilation of the skin surface and increases stratum corneum hydration and hence compromises skin barrier function.


RESULTS
This review focuses the effects of occlusion on skin barrier function, in particularly, as defined with objective skin bioengineering technology.


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of occlusion on skin barrier function have been defined with various techniques. Optimal hydrocolloid materials can absorb excess water and reduce the unfavourable effects of occlusion.
Zhai
Hongbo
H
Department of Dermatology, University of California, School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143-0989, USA.
Maibach
Howard I
HI
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001458:Bandages; D003102:Colloids; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010599:Pharmacokinetics; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*
D003102:Colloids