A study on the hydration function of cutaneous stratum corneum

Ksang, Ho Jung; Hahm, Jeong Hee

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To preserve the natural properties of skin, its waite balance has to be maintained. Properly moisturised skin is soft, supple, luminous, elastic and tonic. Stratum corneum is the bodys main protective barrier agairist the environment along with regulation of water exchange. Pathological factors such as eczema, ichthyosis and psoriasis encourage dehydration of the stratum corneum.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of t.his study was to evaluate interrelation. hip between the hydration state of the stratum corneum and cutaneous manifestation in patients with psoriasis, diabetes and chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. METHOD: Because the cutaneous conductance is an indicator of skin surface hydration state, a water sorption-desorption test of skin was performed. This test furnishes informations of the hygroscopicity and water-hoiding capacity(WHC) of the stratum cornrum in a short time.
RESULTS
Hygroscopicity and WHC decreased significantly on th. scaly psoriatic lesion. Hygroscopicity increased significmtly in diabetes with pruritus. In chonic renal failure undergoing hernodialysis, the prehydration state and hygroscopicity decreased. There were no significant differences in prehydration water coritent, hygroscopicity and WHC between pruritic and nonpruritic lesions in diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure respectively.
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that disturbed hydration function oi tl e stratum corneum, such as decreased hygroscopicity and water-holding capacity on the scaly pscriatic lesion may play an important role in clinical manifestatior. Pruritus in diabetes mellitus and chromic renal failure patients doesnt seem to be the functional disturbance of hydration in stratum corneum.