A Study of Transepidermal Water Loss at Various Anatomical Sites of the Skin

Jang, Hun Young; Park, Chun Wook; Lee, Cheol Heon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The regional variation in transepidermal water loss(TEWL) is related to the varying skin structure, particularly the epidermis and its horny layer, and the regional distribution of the eccrine sweat glands, which are concentrated on the palms and soles.
OBJECTIVE
We tried to evaluate the TEWL values at various anatomic sites and compare of TEWL values between male and female, left and right, dominant and non-dominant forearm.
METHODS
In this study 24 healthy volunteers(mean age 26.6 years, range 20-34 years, 14 males and 10 females) with no history of atopic dermatitis were included. Measurements were performed at various anatomical sites of the skin using Tewameter TM 210(R)(Courage+Khazaka, Koln, Germany). Prior to the measurement of TEWL values, subjects stayed still for 30 minutes in the room where the temperature was controlled(18-23degrees C) with a relative humidity of 35-45%.
RESULTS
1. TEWL values at various anatomical sites of the skin ranked as follows ; palm > sole > back = calf = chin > forearm. TEWL values of wrist forearm was statistically higher than those of proximal forearm and mid-forearm. 2. TEWL values at paim and sole were higher in male than in female(p<0.05), although we could not see any statistically significant difference in TEWL values between male and female at other sites of the skin. 3. Comparing TEWL values of right side of forearm, palm, and sole with those of left side, there were no statistical significance in differences. 4. There were no statisically significant differences in TEWL values at forearm between dominant portion(right handed person's right forearm in 20 persons and left handed person's left forearm in 4 persons) and non-dominant portion.
CONCLUSION
There were significant variations in TEWL values at various anatomical site of the skin. It may be necessary to consider the anatomical site of the skin, when we compare the TEWL values which studying the irritant contact dermatitis.