Semipermeable glove membranes--effects on skin barrier repair following SLS irritation.
BACKGROUND
Transepidermal water flux is the regulatory signal for barrier regeneration.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we evaluated the impact of glove membranes, which provide a partial barrier and different water loss rates, on barrier recovery after standardized irritation with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).


METHODS
Twenty-five healthy volunteers were irritated for 24 hr with SLS 1%. Four test areas were marked on clinically normal skin on the upper back. Barrier repair under consecutive dressing with semipermeable membranes (GoreTex, Sympatex, an occlusive membrane (Meditrate Vinyl), and in an uncovered control area were evaluated by measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema (a*).


RESULTS
Areas semipermeably covered showed an enhanced barrier recovery and a reduced inflammatory response compared to the area under occlusion and the control. During healing process, TEWL (P < 0.01) and a* (P < 0.001) values were significantly lower in areas semipermeably covered than in the vinyl covered area and in the control.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the hypothesis that semipermeable materials improve barrier recovery rates by providing an optimized water vapour gradient during the healing process. This underlines the unique benefit of semipermeable gloves in the prevention of occupational skin disease: (i) by minimizing glove-induced irritation and (ii) by enhancing barrier recovery through protective glove materials at the work place in cases of pre-existing minor irritant dermatitis.
Bock
Meike
M
Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Sedanstr. 115, D-49090 Osnabrück, Germany.
Damer
Klaus
K
Wulfhorst
Britta
B
John
Swen Malte
SM
D000328:Adult; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010539:Permeability; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry
D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate