title: Recent knowledge: Concepts of dermal absorption in relation to skin decontamination.
abstract: Skin decontamination is an important step mitigating percutaneous absorption through the stratum corneum (SC), which is also a highly complex process. Thus, understanding diffusion mechanisms and measuring dermal absorption rates are critical to protect humans from toxic exposures. Here, highly varied literature is placed in a biological and clinical perspective in regards to decontamination. Literature from PubMed and Surge Laboratory library files were searched and reviewed for relevance. Recent data have shown multiple layers of SC structural heterogeneity, which results in unique substance partitioning characteristics across the membrane. As such, attempts to model and understand this behavior in alternative in vitro membranes prove difficult. More synthetic and natural membranes are being explored as models for in vivo behavior. In addition, commonly accepted decontamination methods are undergoing risk assessment. These recent and varied literature findings update available knowledge regarding skin decontamination and its challenges, with a focus on dermal absorption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phuong
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Howard I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Maibach
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003666:Decontamination; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D010795:Phthalic Acids; C032279:phthalic acid
keywords: detergents; model membrane; partitioning; percutaneous penetration; skin wipes; stratum corneum (SC)