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Effect of ageing on the blistering of human skin with ammonium hydroxide
Author(s) -
GROVE G.L.,
DUNCAN SUSAN,
KLIGMAN A.M.
Publication year - 1982
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/j.1365-2133.1982.tb00382.x
Subject(s) - ammonium hydroxide , medicine , foundation (evidence) , gerontology , history , chemistry , archaeology , organic chemistry
SUMMARY The blistering response provoked by application of 50% ammonium hydroxide solution was measured in two groups, young adults (aged 18–30 years) and older adults (aged 65–75 years). The initial response, characterized by the appearance of tiny follicular vesicles, occurred more quickly in older adults. This age‐associated reduction in initial response time (IRT) probably reflects either enhanced diffusion through appendageal shunts or loss of stratum corneum integrity. In contrast, the time required to produce a full blister was greatly prolonged in the aged. This age‐associated increase in blister formation time (BFT) probably reflects a diminished microvasculature which cannot supply fluid to fill the blister. It was also noted that the older adults displayed a decreased sensitivity to the mild discomfort experienced during this procedure. The poor performance of certain individuals who looked much older than their chronological age suggested that the blistering response may provide an indicator of physiological age.