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Dry skin in atopic dermatitis
1Department of Dermatology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) involves impaired skin barrier function, leading to dry skin. Studies show reduced water-binding capacity and altered stratum corneum lipids in AD patients, impacting skin hydration and texture.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Skin Barrier Research
- Biophysics of the Skin
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic skin condition characterized by impaired skin barrier function.
- Dry skin is a frequent comorbidity in AD patients, yet the underlying barrier defects are not fully elucidated.
- The stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer, plays a critical role in barrier function and was investigated in AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biophysical properties of the stratum corneum in patients with atopic dermatitis.
- To assess skin hydration, water loss, and surface characteristics in individuals with AD.
- To explore potential alterations in stratum corneum lipids and cellular structures in AD.
Main Methods:
- In vitro microbalance technique to measure water-binding capacity.
- Evaporimeter and Corneometer to assess transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and water content.
- Quantitative electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis.
- Chromatographic analysis for stratum corneum lipid quantification.
- Profilometry to evaluate skin surface roughness.
Main Results:
- Reduced water-binding capacity and decreased water content in dry atopic skin.
- Increased TEWL in dry and clinically normal skin on predilection areas of AD patients.
- Quantitative electron microscopy revealed increased relative volume of lamellar bodies in dry atopic skin.
- Preliminary chromatographic data suggested reduced extractable stratum corneum lipids.
- SEM and profilometry showed a coarse, irregular surface pattern in dry atopic skin compared to normal skin.
Conclusions:
- Patients with atopic dermatitis exhibit significant alterations in stratum corneum biophysical properties.
- Impaired barrier function in AD is associated with reduced hydration, increased water loss, and structural changes in the stratum corneum.
- These findings highlight the critical role of the skin barrier in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis and suggest potential targets for management.