ON THE TRANSFER FUNCTION OF HUMAN SKIN
Abstract
Different aspects of transfer through human skin are clarified. Water and water vapor are believed to move through intact skin surface by: (a) glandular secretion such as that of sweat glands, (b) sorption and desorption in the horny layer, (c) diffusion through the horny layer. With proper care all three avenues can be sufficiently well differentiated. Sweating can be partly controlled by low room temperature, atropine and selection of a body area not prone to sweating. Sweat amount is also measured in blank tests on the opposite limb, furthermore by counting sweat droplets. Horny layer sorption and desorption is a saturation process after the skin enters a new environment. After sweat and sorption are evaluated or prevented, there remains a flow of liquid water or vapor through the skin which seems to depend on the water concentration of the medium touching the skin. This concentration will be defined for water solutions, as well as for air, as relative humidity r sub a. In all but a very few test persons water and water vapor, from solutions or air, of more than r sub a 90 per cent, pass into the skin. Since the point of no transfer of 90 per cent relative humidity or about four osmolarity, the transfer should be active.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0611281
Entities
People
- Konrad J. K. Buettner
Organizations
- University of Washington