Gender difference of in vivo skin surface pH in the axilla and the effect of a standardized washing procedure with tap water.
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the axillary skin surface pH and explore potential gender-related differences together with the influence of a washing procedure in healthy subjects. After a run-in period, the skin surface pH was measured in vivo in 10 men and 10 women under standardized conditions in three distinct locations of each axilla (at baseline and up to 6 h after washing). Potential interfering influences were thoroughly excluded. Our study revealed a statistically significant difference in axillary skin surface pH between men and women with more acidic values in females (p < or = 0.001). The baseline axillary pH before washing was 6.58 +/- 0.63 (right) and 6.67 +/- 0.65 (left) in men compared to 5.8 +/- 0.53 (right) and 5.94 +/- 0.62 (left) in women. The difference between the right and left arm-pit was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in any group. After standardized washing procedures with pure tap water, the mean axillary pH decreased significantly in women at all measurement times [lowest value 60 min after washing: 5.51 +/- 0.7 (right) and 5.64 +/- 0.7 (left)], while it slightly increased in men [highest value 240 min after washing: 6.7 +/- 0.59 (right) and 6.78 +/- 0.69 (left)]. In summary, there is a gender difference in axillary skin surface pH. Washing with water further increased the difference between male and female pH values.
Williams
Stefanie
S
Division of Cosmetic Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Davids
Miriam
M
Reuther
Tilmann
T
Kraus
Doris
D
Kerscher
Martina
M
D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000592:standards; D014867:Water
D014867:Water