Impact of water exposure on skin barrier permeability and ultrastructure.

BACKGROUND

Skin occlusion due to use of diapers or sanitary napkins often results in irritant contact dermatitis. Furthermore, prolonged occlusion and exposure to body fluids are known to increase skin hydration and permeability, thus leading to irritant contact dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of water exposure on the skin and its barrier functions were investigated to get more insight into the mechanisms of irritant contact dermatitis.

METHODS

Water patches were applied to the volar forearm skin of 10 human subjects for 3 hours. Permeability of the stratum corneum (SC) was examined using methyl nicotinate (MN). Alterations in the hydration and ultrastructure of the SC were measured by Raman spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy, respectively.

RESULTS

Water profiles found using Raman spectroscopy demonstrated notable increases in water content throughout the SC and skin surface. Multiphoton microscopy revealed morphological changes that were formed in the intercellular space of the SC. Emerged pools seemed to contribute to increased MN absorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive skin hydration leading to changes in the SC ultrastructure might result in increased skin permeability of skin irritants and allergens.