Effect of long-term use of moisturizer on skin hydration, barrier function and susceptibility to irritants

Moisturizers are often used in the prevention and treatment of irritant contact dermatitis. The present study was to determine whether long-term daily use of a moisturizer on normal skin would affect skin barrier function, hydration state, or susceptibility to sodium lauryl sulphate. Healthy volunteers used a moisturizer on one forearm 3 times daily for 4 weeks. The other forearm served as a control. Afterwards both forearms were challenged with a patch-test of sodium lauryl sulphate. Skin barrier function was evaluated by measuring trans-epidermal water loss and skin hydration by measuring electrical capacitance. Electrical capacitance was significantly increased on the treated arm during the treatment period. After challenge with sodium lauryl sulphate, transepidermal water loss was significantly higher on the arm treated with moisturizer than on the control arm. The results suggest that long-term treatment with moisturizers on normal skin may increase skin susceptibility to irritants.     

Comparison between 2 test models in evaluating the effect of a moisturizer on irritated human skin

The purpose of the present study was to compare 2 experimental models of moisturizer efficacy on the recovery of irritated skin on the hands and the volar forearms. 12 healthy volunteers had their hands immersed in sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 10 min 2x daily for 2 days, and at the same time the volunteers had patch tests with SLS (0.125%, 0.25% and 0.5%) applied on their forearms for 24 h. After irritation of the skin, the volunteers had a moisturizer applied on one arm/hand 3x daily for the following 9 days. The other arm/hand served as untreated control. Evaluation was done on days (D) 1, 3, 5, 8 and 12 by transepidermal water loss, electrical capacitance, laser Doppler flowmetry and DermaSpectrometry. Both models were found useful, and the moisturizer was found to accelerate regeneration of the skin barrier function in both the hands (D8, p<0.05) and the volar forearms (0.5% SLS, D5 and D8, p<0.01). When the forearm model is used in the present set-up, a relatively high concentration of SLS (>0.25%) should be used and evaluation measurements are best performed on D5-D8. The forearm model proved reliable and easy to handle and we suggest that this model is used in future studies on moisturizer evaluation.     

Does massage postapplication improve moisturizer’s efficacy? A 2‐week regression study

Background Combining massage with moisturizer application is a popular technique in beauty spa sessions. The subjective positive psychological effects of massage with moisturizer application in hand and face beauty treatment are documented by many people attending spa sessions. The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of local effleurage massage as an external intervention on moisturizer efficacy. Methods In a regression‐type study of 2‐week, twice‐daily application followed by 1 week of regression, 13 female subjects applied “off the shelf” moisturizer twice daily on both forearms followed by 1 min superficial massage for one forearm randomized among subjects. The influence of massage after moisturizer application on skin barrier properties was evaluated by noninvasive measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, and skin elasticity at baseline, day 7, and day 14 during the treatment phase, and day 21 following a 1‐week regression period, in which no moisturizer and no massage were performed on forearms. Results The tested “off the shelf” moisturizer in both “massage” and “no‐massage” application protocols caused a comparable progressive improvement in skin hydration level and barrier permeability over the 2‐week treatment period, which was maintained during the 1‐week regression (no moisturizer) period. In addition, skin elasticity was similarly improved by both application protocols. Conclusion In this long‐term study, the daily performance of massage after moisturizer application was not an effective external intervention for enhancing moisturizer efficacy.     

Hydration and plasticity following long-term use of a moisturizer: a single-blind study

Skin hydration is thought to have an influence on skin plasticity, and moisturizers have therefore gained widespread use. However, the effects of long-term moisturizer use on the mechanical properties and the long-term correlation between plasticity and hydration of human skin in vivo remain unknown. Nineteen healthy volunteers applied a moisturizer to the volar surface of their forearms for 3 weeks, once daily on one arm and twice daily on the other. The skin capacitance, distensibility, hysteresis and elasticity were measured in both treated areas and in an untreated regional control area. Measurements were carried out at baseline, at one-week intervals during the trial and one week after the termination. Data were assessed in a single-blind fashion. No change was found in any of the mechanical parameters in the moisturizer-treated skin compared to the control. The capacitance of skin was found to increase independently of dose. One week after termination of the treatment, the skin capacitance remained increased. No dose-response effect was seen, however. Long-term use of moisturizers increases skin capacitance significantly, but does not change the mechanical properties. In vivo skin hydration is a poor predictor of skin mechanics.     

Moisturizing effects of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin

BACKGROUND: Certain moisturizers can improve skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis. The effect of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin is unknown. We examined the effect of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin and compared the results with the effect of white petrolatum in a left-right comparison study. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with atopic dermatitis, with symmetrical lesions of dry skin on both forearms, were enrolled, and were instructed to apply nicotinamide cream containing 2% nicotinamide on the left forearm and white petrolatum on the right forearm, twice daily over a 4- or 8-week treatment period. Transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration were measured by instrumental devices. The amount of the stratum corneum exfoliated by tape stripping (desquamation index) was determined by an image analyzer. RESULTS: Nicotinamide significantly decreased transepidermal water loss, but white petrolatum did not show any significant effect. Both nicotinamide and white petrolatum increased stratum corneum hydration, but nicotinamide was significantly more effective than white petrolatum. The desquamation index was positively correlated with stratum corneum hydration at baseline and gradually increased in the nicotinamide group, but not in the white petrolatum group. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotinamide cream is a more effective moisturizer than white petrolatum on atopic dry skin, and may be used as a treatment adjunct in atopic dermatitis.     

含牛油果树果脂等植物成分的保湿产品改善皮肤干燥的安全性及有效性评价

目的：探讨一种含牛油果树果脂等植物成分的保湿产品改善皮肤干燥的临床有效性和安全性。方法：采用前瞻性多中心自身前后对照试验进行研究,共收集196例受试者。受试者在双侧小腿胫前皮肤使用该保湿产品,每日1次,共14 d。分别在使用前、使用后1 h、4 h、24 h、7 d及14 d进行受试区皮肤生理指标检测及干燥程度的主观评分。结果：受试者单次使用研究产品后1 h、4 h及24 h,受试区皮肤角质层含水量较基线水平显著增加,分别升高17.11±6.72、13.98±6.36、10.79±6.28（P<0.001）,保湿时效≥24 h。使用7 d和14 d后,角质层含水量分别为41.18±8.70和43.48±8.84,较基线水平（26.53±8.68）明显升高;经皮水分丢失分别为（6.48±2.33）g/h/m²和（6.46±3.43）g/h/m²,较基线水平[（7.36±3.96）g/h/m²]减少;pH值改变分别为5.28±0.60和5.37±0.53,较基线水平（5.51±0.70）降低并保持稳定;皮肤干燥程度主观...     

Epidermal thickness assessed by optical coherence tomography and routine histology: preliminary results of method comparison

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising non-invasive imaging technique for studying the epidermis and upper dermis in vivo. As proposed previously by Welzel et al. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997; 37: 958-963), distance measurements between the entrance peak and the second peak of the A-scan seem to correspond to epidermal thickness (ET). However, there is a lack of systematic studies comparing OCT with histology. METHODS: Sixteen healthy subjects were included in this pilot study. OCT assessments were conducted on the upper back. To determine ET by OCT, the distance between the entrance peak and the second peak of the A-scan was calculated (ET-OCT). After OCT measurement a 4 mm punch biopsy was taken on each subject from the same site previously assessed. The maximum thickness of the epidermis (ET-Histo) was determined microscopically using routine histological slices (formalin-paraffin technique, haematoxylin-eosin staining). Correlation and agreement between the two methods were assessed by means of the Pearson correlation procedure and Bland-Altman plots, respectively. RESULTS: ET-Histo was 79.4 +/- 21.9 microm, including a stratum corneum thickness of 20 +/- 12.1 microm. OCT measurements resulted in an ET of 106 +/- 15.4 microm. No correlation between ET-Histo and ET-OCT was observed (r = 0.29, P = 0.27). There was a considerable lack of agreement between histology and OCT measurements as expressed in a high bias of 26.63 microm [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.49-38.77]. Furthermore, the lower 95% limits of agreement were -18.03 microm (95% CI -37.11 to 1.05) and the upper 95% limits of agreement were 71.28 microm (95% CI 52.2-90.36) indicating that ET-OCT may be 71.28 microm above or 18.03 microm below ET-Histo. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest that the above-described OCT algorithm is probably not a valid measure for the evaluation of ET. The second peak of the A-scan seems not to correspond to the dermo-epidermal junction zone, but rather to fibrous structures in the upper dermis. Nevertheless, further systematic comparison studies between OCT and histology are warranted, using different OCT algorithms for ET determination and cryopreparation, which has a higher reliability than the formalin-paraffin technique.     

Variation of skin properties within human forearms demonstrated by non-invasive detection and multi-way analysis

Background/aim: It is known that the properties of human skin vary locally. The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of human volar forearms even further using advanced non-invasive techniques and numerical methods.
Methods: The skin properties of human volar forearms were investigated using measurements of trans epidermal water loss and multifrequency electrical impedance. Eight sites on the forearms of 27 healthy volunteers were measured. The sites were oriented as squares, four sites on both left and right forearm, approximately 40–50 mm apart.
Results: Analysis of variance showed significant differences for epidermal water loss ( P  < 0.01) and the skin impedance ( P  < 0.001) between the inner and outer sides of the arms. Additionally, parallel factor analysis of the full skin impedance spectra also showed that there are systematic differences between right and left arm ( P  < 0.01).
Conclusion: It is crucial to design skin studies carefully in order to minimise the effects of the local skin properties of human skin.     

Squamometry as a screening method for the evaluation of hydrating products

Background/aims: Squamometry is a combination of sampling corneocytes by adhesive coated discs followed by colour measurements after staining the cells. In this study, the correlation between stratum corneum (SC) hydration and scaling was investigated using capacitance measurements and squamometry, respectively. Methods: Stratum corneum hydration and assessment of barrier function by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements were carried out on different sites of left and right volar forearm skin of female volunteers (n=13; 24±3 years). D-Squame^® samples were taken on the same test spots. Results: Visual evaluation of the coloured samples by light microscopy and the development of a four-point-scale scoring system was found to be necessary to detect and minimise overestimation of chroma C* values. Capacitance measurements revealed neither significant differences between corresponding sites on left and right forearms no between different skin areas on the same forearm. Squamometric measurements, on the contrary, did not show any symmetry between corresponding test sites on both forearms or between different sites on one forearm. No correlation could be found between squamometric measurements and SC hydration values obtained at the same test sites. No skin barrier function impairment lays at the origin of this observation since TEWL values were found to be similar at all test sites in comparison to control skin. In a randomised single blind study, hydration and TEWL showed a significant improvement of 25% and 15%, respectively, after a 14-day application period of a moisturising cream. Although visual scoring of the coloured samples of both treated and untreated test spots revealed a good correlation with chroma C* values, the quantitative results found with squamometry were very doubtful. Conclusion: Squamometry with visual scoring can be proposed as a screening technique for SC hydration rather than a quantitative method to appreciate skin moisturisation.     

A double-blind study of tolerance and efficacy of a new urea-containing moisturizer in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background  Atopic dermatitis patients almost all use moisturizers to prevent and treat their skin disease. However, the safety and efficacy of moisturizers are rarely studied in this patient population.
Aims  To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of urea-containing moisturizers in subjects with atopic dermatitis.
Methods  One hundred subjects with atopic dermatitis were randomized to apply either a new 5% urea moisturizer or a commercially available 10% urea lotion twice a day for 42 days. Scoring Atopic Dermatitis severity index (SCORAD) was performed at Day 0 and Day 42. Cosmetic acceptability questionnaires, adverse events, and a 5-point tolerance evaluation were administered or performed at Day 42.
Results  Both study products were very well tolerated by subjects and only three subjects discontinued their participation in the study due to adverse events. Mean SCORAD significantly decreased between Day 0 and Day 42 by 19.76% and 19.23%, respectively, for subjects treated with the new 5% urea moisturizer or the 10% urea lotion ( P  < 0.001). There was no difference between the two products in SCORAD reduction; however, significantly more subjects preferred using the new 5% urea moisturizer as compared with the 10% urea lotion.
Conclusions  Both the new 5% urea moisturizer and the 10% urea lotion improved atopic dermatitis and were very well tolerated. However, the cosmetic acceptability questionnaire showed that subjects preferred using the new 5% urea moisturizer over the 10% urea lotion.     

Influence of hydration and experimental length scale on the mechanical response of human skin in vivo, using optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Human skin is a complex tissue consisting of different layers. To gain better insight into the mechanical behaviour of different skin layers, the mechanical response was studied with experiments of various length scales. Also, the influence of (superficial) hydration on the mechanical response is studied. The work is based on the hypothesis that experiments with different length scales represent the mechanical behaviour of different skin layers. For suction, this means that a large aperture diameter reflects the behaviour of mainly dermis, whereas a very small diameter reflects the behaviour of only the top layer of the skin. METHODS: Suction measurements at varying pressures and aperture sizes were performed on the volar forearm of 13 subjects aged 29-47 years. The deformation of the skin was visualized using ultrasound (US) (dermis) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) (epidermis and dermis). US measurements were performed on hydrated skin, OCT measurements on dry and hydrated skin. The experiment was simulated by a finite element model (FEM) exhibiting extended Mooney material behaviour. An identification method was used to compare the experimental and numerical results to identify the parameters of the material. RESULTS: The material parameters C(10) and C(11) were calculated for four subjects: C(10)=29.6+/-21.1 kPa and C(11)=493+/-613 kPa for 6 mm aperture diameter, C(10)=11.5+/-8.7 kPa and C(11)=18.3+/-12.6 kPa for 2 mm aperture diameter and C(10)=10.8+/-9.5 kPa and C(11)=9.3+/-7.7 kPa for 1 mm aperture diameter. Skin hydration caused ambiguous effects on the mechanical response. CONCLUSIONS: US and OCT, combined with suction, using varying apertures sizes, proved to be a valuable tool to study the mechanical behaviour of different skin layers. With increasing experimental length scale, increasing values for the parameters of the material model were found. This indicates the need of a multi-layered material layer FEM, which can be used to identify mechanical behaviour of epidermis and dermis.     

Hautschutz‐ oder Hautregenerationscreme? Der Halbseitenversuch in der Bewertung eines hautpflegenden Externums

Summary: It is often said that moisturizers should be used both during and after work with skin irritating substances. However, many products are lacking experimental proof to prevent from skin irritation or to support the regeneration of the skin. Taking a protection cream as an example, we present a test design that enables us to discriminate between a barrier‐supporting effect and a moisturizing effect (“skin recovery cream”) of this product. 30 volunteers performed a repetitive washing on both forearms with a sodium lauryl sulfate solution. One forearm was treated with the cream either 30 minutes prior to washing (15 volunteers) or 30 minutes after washing (15 volunteers).
The other forearm was not treated and served as a control. On the treated forearms we found a lower increase in transepidermal water loss and a higher skin hydration as compared to the untreated arm. Treatment after washing was significantly more effective than treatment before washing.
Hence, this test design was able to discriminate between the barrier and the regeneration effect of the cream. The tested protection cream was most effective as a skin recovery cream.     

Effect of different moisturizers on SLS-irritated human skin

Moisturizers are widely used to treat irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Their use is, however, not well-documented and standardized models for testing skin care products are needed to acquire documentation of their efficacy. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of 6 commonly-used moisturizers on the recovery of irritated human skin. No commercial interests were involved in the study. 36 healthy volunteers had patch tests with SLS 0.5% applied on their forearms/upper arms for 24 h. After irritation of the skin, all volunteers had a moisturizer applied on one forearm/upper arm, respectively, 3 x daily for the following 5 days. The other forearm/upper arm served as an untreated control. Each moisturizer was tested on 12 volunteers and each volunteer tested 2 moisturizers at the same time. Evaluation was done on days 1, 3 and 8 by transepidermal water loss, electrical capacitance, laser Doppler flowmetry, DermaSpectrometry and clinical scoring. All 6 moisturizers were found to accelerate regeneration of the skin barrier function when compared to irritated non-treated skin. The most lipid-rich moisturizers improved barrier restoration more rapidly than the less lipid-rich moisturizers. We suggest this experimental model for further moisturizer efficacy testing.     

Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot study

Background Although moisturizer usage has been considered a mainstay of treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, few clinical studies have been investigated. Recently, moisturizers containing non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, such as licochalcone A (LA) and vitamin B₁₂ are of emerging interest. Objective To compare the effectiveness of moisturizer containing LA with hydrocortisone (HC) lotion in treatment of childhood AD. Methods The randomized, controlled, investigator‐blinded 6‐week study was conducted. Patients were administered with twice‐daily application of LA lotion on one side of the body and HC lotion on the opposite side. The clinical outcome was assessed by the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The relapse rate was comparatively analysed by survival analysis. Results From 30 patients enrolled, 26 patients completed the protocol. The mean age of the children was 5.8 years. The average baseline SCORAD score is about 28 on both sides. The response rates of both agents were equal to 73.33%. There is no statistical significant group difference in reduction of SCORAD score. Although we observed more rapid resolution of oedema and erythema in areas treated with HC lotion, both agents exhibited no significant difference. The relapse rate of HC group was higher than in LA group; however, there was no significant difference. No side‐effect was observed from both agents. Conclusion The effectiveness of LA lotion is equal to that of HC lotion. It was suggested that moisturizer containing LA could be used both for treatment of acute and maintenance phase in mild‐to‐moderate childhood AD.     

Measurement and perception of skin colour in a skin cancer survey

A population-based prevalence survey of skin cancer was conducted in Nambour, Queensland, in 1986. The skin colour of 807 participants was assessed in three ways: quantitatively, graded by a dermatologist, and self-reported. Quantitation of skin pigmentation was obtained by measuring the reflectance of light of wavelength 650 nm, at six sites. Females showed higher mean reflectance (paler skin) than males at all sites with the greatest difference on the lateral forearms. Prevalent skin cancer in males, and solar keratoses in both sexes were correlated with inherently pale skin colour on an unexposed site, and the presence of keratoses was correlated with darkly-pigmented backs of the hands (P less than 0.001). Both dermatologists' and participants' grading of skin colour were moderately correlated with measured skin colour. For dermatologists, correlation was highest with reflectance from the medial upper arms (r = 0.35, right arm; 0.30, left) in males, and the lateral forearms (r = 0.34, right; 0.38, left) in females. Correlations between reflectance values and self-reported innate skin colour were highest for the upper arms (r = 0.26, right; 0.24, left) in males, and for forearms (r = 0.42, right and left) in females. Prevalence of actinic lesions was more highly correlated with subjectively assessed skin colour than with quantitative skin pigmentation.     

Assessment of effects of an additional dietary natural mineral water uptake on skin hydration in healthy subjects by dynamic barrier function measurements and clinic scoring

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The skin protects the body's organs and tissues from damage and physical, chemical and bacteriological injuries. It also prevents the transcutaneous loss of water. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of additional dietary natural mineral water uptake on skin hydration and cutaneous well-being in subjects with dry skin. METHODS: Eighty subjects (44 women and 36 males, mean age 56+/-5.6 years) were included in the study, randomised per forearm and stratified by gender. Skin surface hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sorption-desorption test, skin colour, thickness and micro-relief were evaluated on the forearms. Clinical scoring of dryness, roughness and elasticity was performed by a dermatologist. RESULTS: An improvement of skin hydration was observed after additional water uptake, statistically modifying the hydration level as well as TEWL, the water-binding capacity of the uppermost layers of the stratum corneum. Improvements of softness, smoothness and skin-moisturising effect were perceived by healthy subjects, and skin micro-relief was improved. CONCLUSION: We suggest that natural mineral water supplementation may be used in order to improve the hydration of skin dryness as a complementary cosmetic approach.     

健康儿童皮肤透皮失水率与角质层含水量的相关性研究

目的探讨角质层含水量与透皮失水率的相关性。方法 2021年10月至2022年6月在普宁市公共健康医疗中心、2所幼儿园及2所小学招募≤ 17岁健康儿童。用皮肤生理功能测量仪测量健康儿童左前臂屈侧和右胫前部位的透皮失水率和角质层含水量, 采用Pearson相关分析法分析不同年龄、性别儿童的透皮失水率与角质层含水量的相关性。结果共招募1 396例健康儿童, 年龄1个月至17岁, 男783例、女613例。在1 ～ < 12个月组, 除男童前臂部位的皮肤透皮失水率与角质层含水量无显著相关性外, 男童胫前和女童前臂及胫前部位的透皮失水率与角质层含水量均呈正相关(r值为0.283、0.404、0.420, 均P < 0.05);在1 ～ 2岁组, 男童前臂和女童胫前部位的皮肤透皮失水率与角质层含水量无显著相关性, 而男童胫前和女童前臂部位的透皮失水率与角质层含水量均呈正相关(r值为0.370、0.419, 均P < 0.01);在3 ～ 5岁组和6 ～ 11岁组, 除6 ～ 11岁组男童胫前的透皮失水率与角质层含水量无显著相关性外, 两组男女性其他部位的透皮失水率与角质层含水量均呈...     

Experimental Candida albicans lesions in healthy humans: dependence on skin pH

The addition of suspensions of Candida albicans cells under occlusion to the left and right forearms, buffered at 2 different pH levels (6.0 and 4.5), resulted after 24 h in unilateral or bilateral lesions in 14 of 15 volunteers. The resulting skin-surface pH was 5.7+/-0.3 and 5.1+/-0.2, respectively. The lesions were more pronounced on the arm with the higher pH in all 14 subjects who reacted. In 11 cases, reactions occurred only on the arm with the higher pH. The pH-induced results are not due to inhibited growth of C. albicans. They may be due to a pH dependence of the yeast's virulence capacity and/or a modulation of the host's defence ability. The use of skin-occlusive products (e.g. dressings, diapers and panty liners) is known to raise skin pH and is associated with skin infections of C. albicans. An acidic buffer incorporated in such products could be a preventive measure for Candida-induced skin rash.     

Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical retinol (vitamin A) in improving the clinical signs of naturally aged skin. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, left and right arm comparison study. SETTING: Academic referral center. PATIENTS: The study population comprised 36 elderly subjects (mean age, 87 years), residing in 2 senior citizen facilities. INTERVENTION: Topical 0.4% retinol lotion or its vehicle was applied at each visit by study personnel to either the right or the left arm, up to 3 times a week for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical assessment using a semiquantitative scale (0, none; 9, most severe) and biochemical measurements from skin biopsy specimens obtained from treated areas. RESULTS: After 24 weeks, an intent-to-treat analysis using the last-observation-carried-forward method revealed that there were significant differences between retinol-treated and vehicle-treated skin for changes in fine wrinkling scores (-1.64 [95% CI, -2.06 to -1.22] vs -0.08 [95% CI, -0.17 to 0.01]; P<.001). As measured in a subgroup, retinol treatment significantly increased glycosaminoglycan expression (P = .02 [n = 6]) and procollagen I immunostaining (P = .049 [n = 4]) compared with vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: Topical retinol improves fine wrinkles associated with natural aging. Significant induction of glycosaminoglycan, which is known to retain substantial water, and increased collagen production are most likely responsible for wrinkle effacement. With greater skin matrix synthesis, retinol-treated aged skin is more likely to withstand skin injury and ulcer formation along with improved appearance.     

麻风患者愈后表皮某些生理功能障碍研究

目的：了解麻风愈后者其原受累及部位是否存在角质层生理功能障碍。方法：利用多功能皮肤生理仪对麻风患者痊愈后前臂原皮损处角质层含水量、酸碱度、透过皮肤水分丢失率及屏障功能的恢复速度进行测量。结果：与正常对照组相比，麻风愈后者原皮损处角质层含水量明显降低（P〈0．002），以瘤型麻风患者降低幅度最大；皮肤表面的pH明显增高（P〈0．0001），界线类偏结核型患者pH改变不甚明显；麻风愈后者原皮损处的基础表皮通透屏障功能好于正常人，以界线类偏瘤型患者水分丢失量降低最明显：麻风愈后者原皮损处表皮通透屏障功能的恢复速度无明显改变。结论：麻风患者痊愈后仍然有角质层生理功能障碍。