Body Mass Index z Scores Correlate with Epidermal Function in Chinese Children

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Epidermal function alterations are observed in various disorders.
• Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with potential systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) z scores and epidermal function in children.
• To assess specific epidermal biophysical properties in relation to childhood obesity.

Main Methods:

• Children were recruited from outpatient clinics, schools, and kindergartens.
• Epidermal biophysical properties including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, and skin surface pH were measured.
• Correlations between these properties and BMI z scores were analyzed.

Main Results:

• BMI z scores showed a negative correlation with stratum corneum hydration and a positive correlation with skin surface pH in boys, but not in girls.
• Stratum corneum hydration levels were significantly lower in boys with higher BMI z scores (≥2) compared to those with average BMI z scores (-2 to 0.99).
• No significant correlation was found between TEWL and BMI z scores.

Conclusions:

• Childhood obesity is associated with altered epidermal function, specifically reduced stratum corneum hydration and increased skin surface pH in boys.
• The findings suggest a potential link between epidermal health and obesity in children, though the directionality of this relationship requires further investigation.