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Aging and the epidermal permeability barrier: implications for contact dermatitis
1Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
Summary
Altered epidermal barrier function worsens irritant contact dermatitis, especially in the aged. Dynamic barrier tests and understanding cytokine responses are key to managing this skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Skin Barrier Research
- Aging and Skin
Background:
- The epidermal permeability barrier is crucial for skin health.
- Impaired barrier function is linked to skin conditions like irritant contact dermatitis.
- Aging significantly impacts skin barrier integrity and response to irritants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the epidermal permeability barrier in relation to irritant contact dermatitis.
- To explore how altered barrier function influences the clinical presentation of irritant contact dermatitis in older individuals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidermal permeability barrier function.
- Analysis of studies on irritant contact dermatitis.
- Examination of age-related changes in skin barrier function.
Main Results:
- Altered barrier function facilitates irritant penetration and damages the skin, creating a cycle of impairment.
- Dynamic barrier function tests are more reliable than basal transepidermal water loss for assessing chronic insults.
- Barrier disruption triggers cytokine responses and increases epidermal Langerhans' cells, potentially priming inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Impaired skin barrier function exacerbates irritant contact dermatitis, particularly in the aged population.
- Understanding the interplay between barrier function, irritants, and inflammation is vital for effective treatment.
- Further research into aged epidermal barrier function enhances comprehension of modified responses to irritants.