Effects of prolonged occlusion on stratum corneum barrier function and water holding capacity

Purpose of the Study: We aimed to evaluate whether prolonged occlusion can induce stratum corneum barrier damage, alterations in stratum corneum hydra tion or water-holding capacity (WHC) lasting longer than the occlusion time . Materials and Methods: 12 subjects were occluded on the forearm for 24, 4 8, 72 and 96 h. Two hours after occlusion removal, transepidermal water los s (TEWL) and skin hydration were measured and a sorption-desorption test pe rformed. Results: TEWL showed an increase reaching a plateau on day 2. Hydr ation and WHC did not show significant changes. Hygroscopicity showed the h ighest level on day 1, decreasing during the following days. A highly signi ficant correlation between capacitance values and the WHC could be detected (p < 0.0001, r = 0.8206). No correlation could be detected between hygrosc opicity and TEWL. Conclusions: Prolonged occlusion induces barrier damage w ithout skin dryness. Occlusion also induces an increased hygroscopicity. A correlation between these two findings could not be proven.