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Clinical Research
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Comparing the barrier properties of several skin protectant formulations via biophysical measurements First Author: David Brett Authors: David Brett One of the primary functions of the skin is protection. Protection is accomplished via a two-way barrier function whereby the loss of water to the external environment is reduced and the risk of contamination from external substances and organisms is decreased. Barrier maintenance is essential to patients' health. To maintain good skin health it is often necessary to protect the skin from the damaging effects of urine/feces via topically applied formulations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barrier properties of a variety of topically applied protective formulations by studying several aspects of skin physiology such as local microcirculation (indication of irritation), barrier properties, and moisturization levels in the presence or absence of a given formulation. These properties provide insight into the ability of the skin to act as a barrier and also the level of protection various formulations provide. Microcirculation was evaluated via Laser Doppler, Transepidermal Water Loss was evaluated via Servo Med EP2 Evaporimeter and Moisturization Value was evaluated via Nova DPM 9003. The data indicated that there are some notable differences in the barrier properties on topical skin protectant formulations, which in part can be linked to the ingredients of the various for formulations evaluated. |
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