Standardization of Skin Irritation Reaction in Korean with Skin Bioengineering Measurement

Kim, Seong Jin; Jun, Jin Hee; Lee, Seung Chul; Won, Young Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND
It is believed that certain skin types of different age, ethnic group may be more susceptible to the effect of skin irritants than others. However, some previous studies found controversies among intra-, inter-individual variation along with the possibility of ethnic differences in irritation reaction. OBJECTIVE: Thus, it is mandatory to explore the characteristics of irritant skin reaction in young and old Koreans with objective, standardized instrumental measurement techniques. METHOD: We have investigated the patterns of skin irritation between adolescent group (19 persons, average age 21.3 +/- 2.3) and old group (18 persons, average age 61.0 +/- 3.6) after physicochemical stimuli by using tape strippings (15, 30 times) and 24 hours SLS (sodium rauryl sulfate, 1% 0.5%) patch application with skin bioengineering measurements for color change(erythema index), TEWL(transepidermal water loss), capacitance and dermal microcirculation (Laser Doppler Flowmetry flux). RESULTS: The intensity of irritation represented by skin bioengineering measurements showed 30 strippings > 1% SLS > 0.5% SLS > 15 strippings, respectively. The younger the less irritation response at different time-course. TEWL, erythema index and microvascular blood distribution (LDF flux) of old group reached the plateau faster and higher than adolescent group. Occlusive patch containing water induced a potential of irritation regardless of age group that might affect early interpretation of skin bioengineering results. CONCLUSION: Intensity of irritation reaction and its kinetic suggested the role of age-dependent change of skin. The standardization on skin bioengineering measurement techniques along with irritation methods is mandatory to explore further inter-individual differences of irritation reaction in Korean.