ON THE TRANSFER FUNCTION OF HUMAN SKIN
Abstract
This report tries to clarify aspects of skin penetration. The transfer of water seems to differ drastically from that of other substances. Water and water vapor are believed to move through intact skin surface by: (a) glandular secretion such as sweat gland; (b) sorption and desorption in the horny layer; and (c) diffusion through the horny layer. The following conclusions, however, may tentatively be drawn: (a) every effort has failed as yet to dispute the fact that water from surprisingly strong solutions or from air of 90% relative humidity or more enters human and animal skin; (b) the stratum corneum conjunctum of the human arm seems to be, or at least to contain, the barrier for water and for electric current; (c) the same seems not to be the case for alcohol vapor; (d) the skin seems in vivo and in vitro rather impenetrable for all tested water solutes; and (e) observed damages of living skin are listed, and damage to conjunctum in vitro is known to be caused by: (1) very low humidity; (2) very high humidity; and (3) tartaric acid. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0257181
Entities
People
- Konrad J.k. Buettner
Organizations
- University of Washington