Background: Transepidermal water flux is the regulatory signal for barrier regeneration.
Objective: In this study, we evaluated the impact of glove membranes, which provide a partial barrier and different water loss rates, on barrier recovery after standardized irritation with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Methods: Twenty-five healthy volunteers were irritated for 24 hr with SLS 1%. Four test areas were marked on clinically normal skin on the upper back. Barrier repair under consecutive dressing with semipermeable membranes (GoreTex, Sympatex, an occlusive membrane (Meditrate Vinyl), and in an uncovered control area were evaluated by measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema (a*).
Results: Areas semipermeably covered showed an enhanced barrier recovery and a reduced inflammatory response compared to the area under occlusion and the control. During healing process, TEWL (P < 0.01) and a* (P < 0.001) values were significantly lower in areas semipermeably covered than in the vinyl covered area and in the control.
Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that semipermeable materials improve barrier recovery rates by providing an optimized water vapour gradient during the healing process. This underlines the unique benefit of semipermeable gloves in the prevention of occupational skin disease: (i) by minimizing glove-induced irritation and (ii) by enhancing barrier recovery through protective glove materials at the work place in cases of pre-existing minor irritant dermatitis.