Trends in stratum corneum research and the management of dry skin conditions

Keratinocytes undergo maturation during their transit through the viable layers of skin, and then abruptly transform into flattened, anuclear corneocytes that constitute the cellular component of the skin barrier, the stratum corneum (SC). The SC is generally considered to be homogeneous in its structure and barrier properties, and is often shown schematically as a featureless brick wall, the “bricks” being the corneocytes, the “mortar” being intercellular lipid. Previously we showed the outer SC was not homogeneous in its composition, but contained steep gradients of the physiological inorganic elements Na, K and Cl, likely originating from sweat salts. Here we show the innermost corneocytes in human skin are also heterogeneous in composition, undergoing systematic changes in intracellular element concentration during transit into the interior of the SC.Human skin biopsies were taken from the lower leg of individuals with both “good” and “dry” skin and plunge-frozen in a stirred, cooled isopentane/propane mixture.

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Efficacy and Safety of Modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Cream on Cancer Patients with Skin Side Effects Caused by EGFR Inhibition

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9071081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 1081

Author(s):

Ming-Yang Lee ◽

Mei-Yi Lin ◽

Yu-Ju Chang ◽

Yu-Ting Tseng ◽

I-An Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Kinase Inhibitors ◽

Target Therapy ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Skin Toxicity ◽

Dry Skin ◽

Egfr Inhibition ◽

The Mean ◽

Skin Conditions

(1) Background: The epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFRIs)/tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective for cancer target therapy, but acneiform rashes or so-called inflammatory papulopustular exanthemas are common (50% to 90%). The conventional therapy for EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity is steroids and antibacterial drugs, but it is still ineffective for some patients, and EGFRIs/TKIs dose reduction/interruption may be needed. In this study, a modified Chinese herbal medicine, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction cream with Yin-Cold (YC) medicine characteristic, was investigated for the effect on patients suffering EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity. (2) Methods: The modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du (mHLJD) decoction cream was made from 10 herbal medicines, including 4 major medicines (Huanglian, Huangqin, Huangbo, and Zhizi) in traditional HLJD decoction. Patients with EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin toxicity were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they also used other cream for skin toxicity. Skin conditions were monitored by follow up every 2 weeks. The patients’ characteristics, the skin toxicities, treatment response, and adverse events were recorded and analyzed until skin problems resolved or the study ended. (3) Results: The mHLJD decoction cream and its sub-packages were stored at 4 °C before use. Thirty-four patients who had grade 1–3 skin toxicities after receiving EGFRIs/TKIs were enrolled. Seven patients withdrew or were excluded. Finally, data from 27 patients were analyzed. The mean grade of rash acneiform was significantly decreased from 2.19 (ranged 1 to 3) to 0.88 (ranged 0 to 2) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 4 weeks and to 0.55 (ranged 0 to 2) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 8 weeks. Additionally, the mean grade of dry skin was also significantly decreased from 1.57 (ranged 1 to 2) to 0.71 (ranged 0 to 1) after mHLJD decoction cream treatment for 4 weeks. The changes of skin toxicity were significant, with no obvious adverse events. (4) Conclusions: In summary, the mHLJD decoction cream provides benefits for alleviation of EGFRIs/TKIs-induced skin rash acneiform and dry skin. Additionally, no obvious side effects were found in patients using mHLJD decoction cream.

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Stratum Corneum Tape Stripping: Relationship with Dry Skin and Moisturizers

Dry Skin and Moisturizers ◽

10.1201/b14251-39 ◽

2005 ◽

pp. 473-480

Keyword(s):

Stratum Corneum ◽

Tape Stripping ◽

Dry Skin

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Acetyl hexapeptide-3 in a cosmetic formulation acts on skin mechanical properties - clinical study

Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.1590/s1984-82502015000400016 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 901-909 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kassandra Azevedo Tadini ◽

Daiane Garcia Mercurio ◽

Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Stratum Corneum ◽

Water Content ◽

Topical Formulations ◽

Face Area ◽

Cutaneous Tissue ◽

The Face ◽

Skin Conditions ◽

Basic Studies ◽

Stratum Corneum Water Content

abstract Acetyl hexapeptide-3 has been used in anti-aging topical formulations aimed at improving skin appearance. However, few basic studies address its effects on epidermis and dermis, when vehiculated in topical formulations. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of acetyl hexapeptide-3 using biophysical techniques. For this purpose, formulations with and without acetyl hexapeptide-3 were applied to the ventral forearm and the face area of forty female volunteers. Skin conditions were evaluated after 2 and 4-week long daily applications, by analyzing the stratum corneum water content and the skin mechanical properties, using three instruments, the Corneometer(r) CM 825, CutometerSEM 575 and ReviscometerRV600. All formulations tested increased the stratum corneum water content in the face region, which remained constant until the end of the study. In contrast, only formulations containing acetyl hexapeptide-3 exhibit a significant effect on mechanical properties, by decreasing the anisotropy of the face skin. No significant effects were observed in viscoelasticity parameters. In conclusion, the effects of acetyl hexapeptide-3 on the anisotropy of face skin characterize the compound as an effective ingredient for improving conditions of the cutaneous tissue, when used in anti-aging cosmetic formulations.

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Cutaneous Neuroimmune Interactions of TSLP and TRPV4 Play Pivotal Roles in Dry Skin-Induced Pruritus

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.772941 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Wook-Joo Lee ◽

Won-Sik Shim

Keyword(s):

Mast Cells ◽

Dorsal Root ◽

Transient Receptor Potential ◽

Skin Barrier ◽

Receptor Potential ◽

Barrier Dysfunction ◽

Dry Skin ◽

Neuroimmune Interactions ◽

Skin Conditions ◽

Transient Receptor

Dry skin is a symptom of skin barrier dysfunction that evokes pruritus; however, the cutaneous neuroimmune interactions underlying dry skin-induced pruritus remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying dry skin-induced pruritus. To this end, an acetone/ethanol/water (AEW)-induced mouse model of dry skin was used in this study. We observed that the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) significantly increased in the keratinocytes of AEW mice. Importantly, treatment with an antagonist of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4), HC067047, ameliorated dry skin conditions in AEW mice. The symptoms of dry skin were significantly reduced in Trpv4 knockout (KO) mice following treatment with AEW. The increase in the intracellular calcium levels by TSLP in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of Trpv4 KO mice was also significantly attenuated. The spontaneous scratching bouts were significantly decreased in both the HC067047-treated and Trpv4 KO AEW mice. Importantly, the TSLP-dependent release of tryptase from the mast cells was significantly reduced in both the HC067047-treated mice and Trpv4 KO AEW mice. Notably, inhibition of the TSLP-induced signaling pathway in DRG selectively reduced the spontaneous scratching bouts in AEW mice. Overall, the results demonstrated that the cutaneous neuroimmune interactions of TSLP and TRPV4 play pivotal roles in dry skin-induced pruritus.

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Vehicles for Drug Delivery and Cosmetic Moisturizers: Review and Comparison

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13122012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 2012

Author(s):

Tanya M. Barnes ◽

Dalibor Mijaljica ◽

Joshua P. Townley ◽

Fabrizio Spada ◽

Ian P. Harrison

Keyword(s):

Drug Delivery ◽

Stratum Corneum ◽

Patient Compliance ◽

Active Drug ◽

Systemic Circulation ◽

Dry Skin ◽

Topical Product ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

The World ◽

Regulatory Bodies

Many dermatological conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, are treated with topical therapeutic products. Instead of applying the active drug directly onto the skin, it is combined with a vehicle to aid in its delivery across the stratum corneum (SC) and into deeper regions of the skin, namely the epidermis and dermis. Absorption into the systemic circulation is minimized. Topical vehicles are also used as cosmetic moisturizers (often termed emollient therapy) to ameliorate dry skin, which is a cornerstone of the management of various dermatological conditions, including xerosis, eczema, psoriasis, and aging. The most common topical vehicles include ointments, creams, gels, and lotions, among others. It is crucial that topical vehicles are chosen based upon the size and properties (wet/dry, mucous/non-mucous, healthy/diseased) of the skin to be treated in order to optimize application and contact of the product with the skin, as this can have profound impacts on potency, efficacy, and patient compliance. This review examines common topical vehicles used for drug delivery and cosmetic moisturizers, including their formulation, advantages and disadvantages, and effects on the skin. The unique rules imposed by governing regulatory bodies in Australia and around the world, in terms of topical product claims, are also briefly examined.

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