Differences in the stratum corneum of Indonesian infants and adults
Abstract: Although
understanding the stratum corneum (SC) of infant skin is important to avoid
skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, there has been no such investigation
in Indonesian infants to date.
Objective To obtain a basic
knowledge of SC characteristics in Indonesian infants in order to develop
methods for infant-specific skin care and to prevent dermatitis and infection.
Methods Seventy-two healthy, full term infants aged 1 to 24 months who
were native Indonesians residing in Jakarta were enrolled in this study. Some
of the mothers were also enrolled in the study as adults (n=30). Transepidermal
water loss (TEWL) and hydration of the SC (capacitance) on the thigh, buttock,
and upper arm were measured after sufficient acclimation in an air-conditioned
room, in both infants and mothers.
Results The SC hydration was significantly higher in infants than adults
at all sites measured, including the buttocks, which is a diaper area. Infant
TEWL values were also significantly higher than in adults at all sites.
Hydration of the SC and TEWL values showed no significant correlation with age
of infant for any site. The SC hydration and TEWL values of Indonesian infants
did not decrease to adult values within 24 months, which indicates that the SC
characteristics in infants continue to develop after 24 months of age.
Conclusion Indonesian infants aged
0-24 months have significantly higher SC hydration and TEWL values than
Indonesian mothers. However, infant age has no correlation to SC hydration or
to TEWL values.
Keywords: infant skin; stratum
corneum; growth; Indonesian
Author: Tsutomu Fujimura,
Kyoko Shima, Yuki Miyauchi, Mitsuyuki Hotta, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Danang Agung
Yunaidi, Ratih Sofia Ika Putri, Puspita Ningrum, Yoshinori Takema
Journal code: jpkedokterangg170132
