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Sweating response to moderate thermal stress in atopic dermatitis
M U Parkkinen1, R Kiistala, U Kiistala
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Kuopio, Finland.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Young men with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibit a significantly reduced sweating response to heat. This impaired thermoregulation, characterized by lower sweat loss, may be linked to skin dryness and a delayed onset of sweating.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Human Physiology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Impaired thermoregulation and sweating abnormalities are reported in AD.
- Understanding sweating response in AD is crucial for managing heat-related issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the local sweating response to thermal stress in young men with AD versus non-atopic controls.
- To investigate the relationship between skin dryness and sweat production in AD patients.
- To assess the onset and magnitude of sweating in AD.
Main Methods:
- Assessed local sweating response on non-eczematous back skin of 26 young men with AD and 22 controls under thermal stress (33°C).
- Measured transepidermal water loss at room temperature to determine pure sweat loss.
- Utilized a gravimetric collecting method at 40, 60, and 80 minutes.
Main Results:
- AD patients showed significantly lower sweat loss at all time intervals compared to controls (50-60% lower cumulative sweat loss, P<0.02).
- Subjects with dry AD skin had reduced sweat loss compared to those with normal-looking skin.
- AD patients exhibited a retarded sweating response, with lowest sweat loss observed at 40 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Young men with AD have a significantly impaired local sweating response to thermal stress.
- Reduced sweat production in AD may be associated with skin dryness and a delayed sweating onset.
- Physical activity correlated with increased sweat loss in both AD patients and controls.