HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Berenson, G. S. Articles by Burch, G. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Berenson, G. S. Articles by Burch, G. E.

Studies of Diffusion of Water Through Dead Human Skin: The Effect of Different Environmental States and of Chemical Alterations of the Epidermis¹

Specimens of dead skin from various sites of the body were studied to determine the rate of passive diffusion of water under certain environmental atmospheric states. Effects of dry heat, relative humidity, radiant heat, ultraviolet irradiation, air currents and protection of skin by lipid coverings were observed. These factors influence the rate of water loss by diffusion through the skin in a predictable manner. The importance of these observations in relation to acclimatization to a tropical and subtropical environment was discussed.

Since the inhibition of the transfer of water through human skin resides in the epidermis, the effects of chemical alteration of constituents of epidermis were also observed. The superficial layer of cells of the epidermis apparently inhibits water diffusion through skin by virtue of diffuse lipid or fat phase supported in a keratin-rich framework. This inhibiting material was not identified or studied in detail.

¹ Aided by a grant from the Public Health Service No. H-143, a War Department Grant No. W-49-007-MD-389, the Life Insurance Medical Research Fund, and the Mrs. E. J. Claire Fund for Research in Heart Disease.

² From the Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine and Charity Hospital of Louisiana.