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Goh CF. Diversity of Asian skin: A review on skin biophysical properties. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14959. [PMID: 37864434 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Asian is home to dozens of different ethnic groups that are characterised by fascinating social and cultural variations. Unfortunately, existing literature on the skin properties of Asians tends to group this diverse population solely based on skin colour, perpetuating the misconception and stereotype that all Asian skin is the same. While Asia is one of the largest continents in the world, the difference in the geographical location and climate have long shaped the population into various ethnic groups with significant differences in the collective and diverse customs, traditions, cultures and living habits. The diverse ethnic groups in this region hint us that their skin biophysical characteristics can be very different from each other. This review features the profiling of the distinctive skin biophysical properties of Asians. We learn more about the different ethnic groups in Asia and acknowledge the unique skin biophysical properties even from the same country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon Fu Goh
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Douladiris N, Vakirlis E, Vassilopoulou E. Atopic Dermatitis and Water: Is There an Optimum Water Intake Level for Improving Atopic Skin? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020273. [PMID: 36832402 PMCID: PMC9954916 DOI: 10.3390/children10020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Water is a vital nutrient with innumerable functions for every living cell. The functions of human skin include protection against dehydration of the body. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease that presents with dry skin, erythematous and eczematous lesions, and lichenification. This paper discusses the question of whether extra water intake in children with AD affects skin hydration and the skin barrier function. Among the methods used to treat dry skin, topical leave-on products are the first-line treatment, intended to improve hydration and the skin barrier function. The effectiveness of adequate water intake as a measure to treat dry skin is still under debate. Normal skin hydration increases with dietary water intake, particularly in those with prior lower water consumption. Skin dryness in AD is instrumental to the itch and inflammation cycle, contributing to barrier impairment and aggravating disease severity and flares. Certain emollients provide significant hydration to AD skin, with relief of dryness and reduction in barrier impairment, disease severity, and flares. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the optimum water intake levels in children with AD, as important questions remain unanswered, namely, does oral hydration provide relief of skin dryness and reduce barrier impairment, disease severity, and flares; is there any additional benefit from using mineral or thermal spring water; or is there a need to specifically study the fluid/water intake in children with AD and food allergy (FA) restrictions?
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Douladiris
- Allergy Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Efstratios Vakirlis
- First Department of Dermatology and Venereology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emilia Vassilopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Green M, Kashetsky N, Feschuk A, Maibach HI. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Environment and pollution-A systematic review. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2022; 2:e104. [PMID: 35677917 PMCID: PMC9168018 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is an objective measurement of skin integrity measured as the amount of water lost across the stratum corneum. TEWL varies greatly across variables such as age and anatomic location, and disruptions in the skin barrier have been linked to inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Impact of environmental conditions and pollution on TEWL has yet to be determined. Accordingly, this review summarizes effects of environmental conditions and pollution on TEWL. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science to find human studies that provided data on environmental conditions and/or pollution and TEWL. Results In total, 15 studies were included, with 11 studies examining environmental and seasonal conditions on TEWL and four examining pollution. All studies examining pollution showed increased TEWL in people exposed to particulate matter or NO2. Contradictory results were found on the effects of season and climate across the 11 studies, with no consensus reached. Conclusion Exposure to pollution is reported to cause increases in TEWL, likely through free radical damage. Significant discrepancies exist among current literature as to the effects of season and climate on TEWL. There is a need to continue examining environmental variables other than temperature and relative humidity, such as atmospheric and steam pressure, that may impact TEWL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Green
- Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Nadia Kashetsky
- Faculty of Medicine Memorial University of Newfoundland St John's Newfoundland & Labrador Canada
| | - Aileen Feschuk
- Faculty of Medicine Memorial University of Newfoundland St John's Newfoundland & Labrador Canada
| | - Howard I Maibach
- Department of Dermatology University of California San Francisco San Francisco California USA
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Baquero F, Saralegui C, Marcos-Mencía D, Ballestero L, Vañó-Galván S, Moreno-Arrones ÓM, Del Campo R. Epidermis as a Platform for Bacterial Transmission. Front Immunol 2021; 12:774018. [PMID: 34925344 PMCID: PMC8671829 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.774018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermis constitutes a continuous external layer covering the body, offering protection against bacteria, the most abundant living organisms that come into contact with this barrier. The epidermis is heavily colonized by commensal bacterial organisms that help protect against pathogenic bacteria. The highly regulated and dynamic interaction between the epidermis and commensals involves the host’s production of nutritional factors promoting bacterial growth together to chemical and immunological bacterial inhibitors. Signal trafficking ensures the system’s homeostasis; conditions that favor colonization by pathogens frequently foster commensal growth, thereby increasing the bacterial population size and inducing the skin’s antibacterial response, eliminating the pathogens and re-establishing the normal density of commensals. The microecological conditions of the epidermis favors Gram-positive organisms and are unsuitable for long-term Gram-negative colonization. However, the epidermis acts as the most important host-to-host transmission platform for bacteria, including those that colonize human mucous membranes. Bacteria are frequently shared by relatives, partners, and coworkers. The epidermal bacterial transmission platform of healthcare workers and visitors can contaminate hospitalized patients, eventually contributing to cross-infections. Epidermal transmission occurs mostly via the hands and particularly through fingers. The three-dimensional physical structure of the epidermis, particularly the fingertips, which have frictional ridges, multiplies the possibilities for bacterial adhesion and release. Research into the biology of bacterial transmission via the hands is still in its infancy; however, tribology, the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion, including friction, wear and lubrication, will certainly be an important part of it. Experiments on finger-to-finger transmission of microorganisms have shown significant interindividual differences in the ability to transmit microorganisms, presumably due to genetics, age, sex, and the gland density, which determines the physical, chemical, adhesive, nutritional, and immunological status of the epidermal surface. These studies are needed to optimize interventions and strategies for preventing the hand transmission of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Baquero
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Network Center for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Saralegui
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Marcos-Mencía
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luna Ballestero
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Vañó-Galván
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar M Moreno-Arrones
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Del Campo
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Health Sciences, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBER-EEII), Madrid, Spain
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Peer RP, Burli A, Maibach HI. Unbearable transepidermal water loss (TEWL) experimental variability: why? Arch Dermatol Res 2021; 314:99-119. [PMID: 33638033 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-021-02198-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the wide breadth of research, much disparity exists in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) research data-possibly due to uncontrolled experimental variables. We determined whether such experimental variables significantly impact TEWL studies and cause this disparity. An initial literature search regarding TEWL was performed to determine potential confounding variables. A subsequent search procured relevant and representative studies investigating the impact of these variables on TEWL. Variables, such as age, anatomic site, and temperature, impact TEWL and should be controlled for in TEWL studies. Other variables, such as smoking and menstrual cycle, have inconclusive results or do not provide sufficient data breadth to make a conclusion regarding its effect, if such an effect exists, on TEWL metrics. Therefore, these variables require further research to determine their potential impact on TEWL. Matching for as many experimental variables as possible may reduce the disparity in TEWL data/conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reva P Peer
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Anuk Burli
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Howard I Maibach
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that adequate hand hygiene among hospital staff is the best measure to prevent hand-to-hand bacterial transmission. The skin microbiome is conditioned by the individual physiological characteristics and anatomical microenvironments. Furthermore, it is important to separate the autochthonous resident microbiota from the transitory microbiota that we can acquire after interactions with contaminated surfaces. Two players participate in the hand-to-hand bacterial transmission process: the bacteria and the person. The particularities of the bacteria have been extensively studied, identifying some genera or species with higher transmission efficiency, particularly those linked to nosocomial infections and outbreaks. However, the human factor remains unstudied, and intrapersonal particularities in bacterial transmission have not been yet explored. Herein we summarize the current knowledge on hand-to-hand bacterial transmission, as well as unpublished results regarding interindividual and interindividual transmission efficiency differences. We designed a simple in vivo test based on four sequential steps of finger-to-finger contact in the same person artificially inoculated with a precise bacterial inoculum. Individuals can be grouped into one of three observed transmission categories: high, medium, and poor finger-to-finger transmitters. Categorization is relevant to predicting the ultimate success of a human transmission chain, particularly for the poor transmitters, who have the ability to cut the transmission chain. Our model allowed us to analyze transmission rate differences among five bacterial species and clones that cause nosocomial infections, from which we detected that Gram-positive microorganisms were more successfully transmitted than Gram-negative.
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Akdeniz M, Tomova‐Simitchieva T, Dobos G, Blume‐Peytavi U, Kottner J. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review. Skin Res Technol 2018; 24:459-465. [DOI: 10.1111/srt.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Akdeniz
- Department of Dermatology and AllergyClinical Research Center for Hair and Skin ScienceCharité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - T. Tomova‐Simitchieva
- Department of Dermatology and AllergyClinical Research Center for Hair and Skin ScienceCharité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - G. Dobos
- Department of Dermatology and AllergyClinical Research Center for Hair and Skin ScienceCharité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - U. Blume‐Peytavi
- Department of Dermatology and AllergyClinical Research Center for Hair and Skin ScienceCharité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - J. Kottner
- Department of Dermatology and AllergyClinical Research Center for Hair and Skin ScienceCharité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
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