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Changes in filaggrin degradation products and corneocyte surface texture by season
Author(s) -
Engebretsen K.A.,
Kezic S.,
Riethmüller C.,
Franz J.,
Jakasa I.,
Hedengran A.,
Linneberg A.,
Johansen J.D.,
Thyssen J.P.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.16622
Subject(s) - corneocyte , cheek , texture (cosmology) , moisturizer , medicine , dryness , filaggrin , dermatology , physiology , stratum corneum , biology , anatomy , food science , pathology , surgery , artificial intelligence , computer science , image (mathematics) , atopic dermatitis
Summary During the winter in Northern countries, the risk of eczema is increased due to low temperatures and low humidity. Eczema, which is characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed skin, is particularly more common on weather‐exposed areas such as the cheek and hands. Recently, small protrusions (which stick out) on the surface of skin cells called corneocytes were associated with eczema and a lack of natural moisturizing factors (NMF) which help prevent skin dryness. This study, from Denmark, aimed to investigate the effect of season on NMF levels and corneocyte surface protrusions in normal adult skin. 80 healthy volunteers (40 males and 40 females), 40 aged 18 ≤ 40 years and 40 aged ≥ 70 years, were tape stripped on the cheek and hand during the winter and the summer. This means applying tape to the skin and then removing it and looking at the tape under a microscope. The tape strips were analysed for NMF levels and corneocyte surface texture. In cheek skin, NMF levels were reduced and the number of corneocyte protrusions elevated during the winter compared to the summer. Older participants had higher NMF levels on the cheek compared to young participants. In the summer, high self‐reported UV‐exposure from the sun was associated with higher numbers of corneocyte surface protrusions. In hand skin, NMF levels were higher during the winter compared to the summer, and female participants had higher NMF levels compared to the male participants. In conclusions, we have observed seasonal effects on NMF levels and corneocyte surface texture on both the cheek and hands. Differences were also found regarding age and sex, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Our findings add new pieces to the puzzle of seasonal differences in the occurrence of dry skin and dermatitis.