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Comparison of stratum corneum thickness in children and adults
Insights
The stratum corneum thickness in infants, children, and adults shows no significant differences. This suggests infants and children possess an efficient skin barrier, refuting thickness as a cause for varied topical absorption.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infants and children sometimes exhibit greater toxicity from topical compounds.
- Previous research suggests term infants and children have an efficient skin barrier.
- The stratum corneum's role in percutaneous absorption differences is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare stratum corneum thickness across different age groups.
- To determine if stratum corneum thickness explains differences in percutaneous absorption.
- To support or refute the hypothesis of an efficient skin barrier in young individuals.
Main Methods:
- Histologic sections of abdominal skin were obtained at autopsy.
- Stratum corneum thickness was measured using a filar micrometer eyepiece.
- Comparisons were made between infants (<3 months), children (3 months–11 years), and adults.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in stratum corneum thickness were observed between infants, children, and adults.
- The stratum corneum thickness does not appear to be a factor in differing percutaneous absorption rates.
- Findings support the established understanding of an efficient skin barrier in term infants and children.
Conclusions:
- Stratum corneum thickness is not a valid explanation for variations in percutaneous absorption.
- The efficient skin barrier in infants and children is confirmed.
- Increased toxicity in children is likely linked to surface-to-volume ratio or metabolic factors, not skin barrier thickness.
Abstract:
We compared the thickness of the stratum corneum from abdominal skin in infants less than 3 months of age, children between 3 months and 11 years, and adults. Measurements were made with a filar micrometer eyepiece on histologic sections obtained at autopsy. No significant differences were seen; therefore, a stratum corneum of different thickness cannot be used to explain differences in percutaneous absorption, supporting previous work which suggested that term infants and children have an efficient skin barrier. The greater toxicity from percutaneous absorption of topical compounds sometimes seen in children is more likely due to their increased surface to volume ratio and/or metabolic differences.
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