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Comparison of transepidermal water loss and skin hydration in diabetics and nondiabetics
Author(s) -
Lai C. C. K.,
Md Nor N.,
Kamaruddin N. A.,
Jamil A.,
Safian N.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.14363
Subject(s) - transepidermal water loss , medicine , dermatology , pathology , stratum corneum
Summary Background Pruritus is common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and may lead to complex dermatological conditions if left untreated. Pruritus can be caused by increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced skin hydration. Aims To compare TEWL and skin hydration in patients with DM and controls, and to investigate associations between TEWL and skin hydration with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), treatment, peripheral neuropathy (PN) and age in patients with diabetes. Methods This was a prospective, case–control study carried out at a tertiary medical centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. TEWL and skin hydration measurements were taken at six different body sites in both groups. Results In total, 146 patients (73 cases, 73 controls) were included (24 men and 49 women in each group). No significant difference in TEWL or skin hydration was seen between patients with DM and controls, but there were significant reductions in skin hydration in patients with DM who had FBS > 7 mmol/L ( P < 0.01) or PN ( P < 0.01). There was a reduction in TEWL over the anterior shin in patients with HbA1c levels > 6.5% ( P < 0.02) and an increase in TEWL on the flank in patients on insulin injections at doses of > 1 U/kg/day ( P < 0.01). In participants > 45 years old, there was a significant reduction in TEWL ( P = 0.04) and hydration ( P < 0.04) in the DM and control groups, respectively. Conclusion There was no difference in TEWL and skin hydration in patients with DM compared with controls. In the DM group, reduction in skin hydration was associated with uncontrolled FBS and PN but not with HbA1c or DM treatment, whereas TEWL was lower in patients with FBS > 8 mmol/L and increased in patients with higher insulin requirement.