Dermal measurement system EDS12

"...subclinical irritant dermatitis can be detected by early changes (reduction) in stratum corneum hydration..." Report and recommendations - ECVAM Workshop 36. (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods)

Occupational skin disease can be permanent, disabling and expensive. Since a cure can be difficult or even impossible it is crucial that we are proactive and prevent occupational skin disease.

Skin condition measurements bring new options for reducing the impact that occupational skin disease can have. Their use can help us identify sub-clinical irritant damage to the skin. This allows us to be proactive in preventing irritant contact dermatitis, the most common occupational skin disease. Damaged skin can also be more susceptible to developing allergic skin conditions.

Skin measurement equipment has been developed specifically for occupational health and safety. It is based on scientific research equipment that has been used for over 20 years in dermatological research. The equipment uses the same measurement techniques and the results correlate with the research equipment so we can use the wealth of studies carried out with the research equipment to help us interpret the results we get from the occupational health and safety equipment.

Measurement Options for the EDS12

The Dermal Measurement system EDS12 comes with hydration as standard with the option to add water loss and erythema (redness) measurements.

Hydration

The stratum corneum, outer layer of skin, is where the barrier is found. It is formed of many layers of dead cells and complex fats that protect us from dehydration, chemicals, microorganisms, and environmental factors. These cells need a certain level of moisture to function correctly. When damaged the skin loses the ability to bind water correctly due to loss of natural moisturising factors (NMFs). It is possible to measure this drop in hydration before there are any visual signs of damage.

Water loss

Transepidermal water loss is moisture that passes up through the barrier layer in the skin (not sweat) to keep the outer layers of cells sufficiently hydrated. Ultimately, it evaporates from the surface of the skin. It is a continuous process. The rate at which this occurs is dependant on the barrier function of the skin. By measuring water loss we can get an idea of how well the skin is functioning as a barrier. Lower figures for water loss indicate better barrier function.

Erythema (redness)

The eye is very good at distinguishing between colours when they are next to each other, but separated by space and/or time it is more difficult. Whilst there are no normal ranges for erythema measurement they still have their use for assessing differences and changes in red levels of the skin.