Neural and vascular regulatory factors of the skin

Inhibitory effects of Leopoldine spa water on inflammation caused by sodium lauryl sulphate

BACKGROUND

Sulphur mineral waters may have anti-inflammatory effects on human skin. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of Leopoldine spa water, a salso-sulphate water (Table 1), on human skin tested with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten healthy, Caucasian volunteers 28-53 years old were enrolled in this study. SLS was tested on the right arm, in two concentrations (0.5% and 1%) dissolved in both double-distilled nonpyrogenic water and Leopoldine spa water in four separate test tubes; 0.02 mL of each solution was applied via the testing apparatus (Vand der Bend chambers, four squares measuring 1 x 1 cm), which was fixed and remained in contact with the skin surface. The anti-inflammatory effect was measured via the variations of redness (chromometry, parameter a*), using a Minolta CR 200 chromometer.

RESULTS

At base condition the values of a* of the areas that were tested ranged from 7.11 to 9.30 with a mean of 7.97. In regard to the reaction caused by SLS dissolved in double-distilled water, the values of a* ranged from 8.98 to 9.53, mean 9.24, for 0.5% SLS and from 12.81 to 14.33, mean 13.59, for 1% SLS. The a* values for the cutaneous reaction caused by SLS dissolved in Leopoldine spa water ranged from 7.22 to 9.60 (mean 8.20) for 0.5% SLS and from 10.8 to 12.36 (mean 11.68) for the 1% SLS.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Leopoldine mineral water on human skin affected by modest inflammatory reactions caused by the direct application of the chemical irritant SLS. Leopoldine spa water can, thus, be considered a natural therapeutic alternative for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.

Hair cycle-dependent changes in adrenergic skin innervation, and hair growth modulation by adrenergic drugs

Skin nerves may exert "trophic" functions during hair follicle development, growth, and/or cycling. Here, we demonstrate hair cycle-related plasticity in the sympathetic innervation of skin and hair follicle in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with telogen skin, the number of nerve fibers containing norepinephrine or immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase increased during the early growth phase of the hair cycle (anagen) in dermis and subcutis. The number of these fibers declined again during late anagen. beta2-adrenoreceptor-positive keratinocytes were transiently detectable in the noncycling hair follicle epithelium, especially in the isthmus and bulge region, but only during early anagen. In early anagen skin organ culture, the beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist isoproterenol promoted hair cycle progression from anagen III to anagen IV. The observed hair cycle-dependent changes in adrenergic skin innervation on the one hand, and hair growth modulation by isoproterenol, accompanied by changes in beta2-adrenoreceptor expression of selected regions of the hair follicle epithelium on the other, further support the concept that bi-directional interactions between the hair follicle and its innervation play a part in hair growth control. This invites one to systematically explore the neuropharmacologic manipulation of follicular neuroepithelial interactions as a novel therapeutic strategy for managing hair growth disorders.

Treatment pearls from Europe

Discussing the need for psychological treatment of a dermatological condition with children and families can be a daunting task. Families must be given accurate information about the role of psychological or behavioral factors in the exacerbation or maintenance of their child's condition; however, this information must be presented in a way that families and children do not feel criticized or judged. This article discusses nondrug treatments of skin diseases.