TRANSEPIDERMAL WATER LOSS IN PATIENTS WITH DERMATITIS

Abstract

SUMMARY.— Using an electrolytic hygrometer, the Transepidermal Water Loss (T.W.L.) from the skin was measured in normal individuals and in patients with dermatitis (eczema). It was found that there was a close correlation between T.W.L. and the state of activity of the dermatitis; and that there was a gradual reduction in abnormally raised T.W.L. in parallel with the return to normal of the skin response (dermatitis). Sweating did not contribute to the increased insensible water loss in dermatitis under the fixed limits of ambient temperature and humidity of this investigation.