Sweating response to moderate thermal stress in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The local sweating response to thermal stress (mean ambient temperature 33 degrees C) was assessed under resting conditions on the non-eczematous back skin of 26 young men with atopic dermatitis (AD) and in 22 non-atopic controls with other dermatoses. The baseline (transepidermal) water loss was separately determined at room temperature (mean 23.6 degrees C) to calculate the pure sweat loss. A gravimetric collecting method was used for the measurements at 40, 60 and 80 min. In the heated room the sweat loss in AD patients was significantly lower at all time intervals. The cumulative sweat loss was 50-60% lower in AD patients than in the controls (P less than 0.02). Subjects with dry AD skin had a lower sweat loss than subjects with normal-looking skin. Compared with controls the sweat loss in AD patients was lowest at 40 min, suggesting a retarded sweating response. Half of the patients with AD and half of the controls had active participation in sports, and showed a greater sweat loss compared to the non-sporting subjects in the same group.

Deficiency of Dermcidin-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides in Sweat of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis Correlates with an Impaired Innate Defense of Human Skin In Vivo

“…Healthy individuals perspired nearly three times as much as did patients with AD after induction through physical exercise (28). Accordingly, AD patients show significantly lower sweat rates upon moderate thermal stress (29). Differences in the composition of sweat, with reduced secretion of IgA (30) and altered sweat electrolyte concentrations (31) in children with AD, have been described.…”

Decreased lactate and potassium levels in natural moisturizing factor from the stratum corneum of mild atopic dermatitis patients are involved with the reduced hydration state

“…In this study, we found that NMF components which probably originate from sweat are significantly decreased in the SC of mild AD, suggesting that the sweat function is related to the development of SC dryness in AD. In fact, the sweat function in AD is decreased [35,36] and water loss due to sweating in a hot environment is decreased in AD patients because of the impaired response to environmental heat to stimulate sweating [35]. Moreover, it was reported that in diseased skin, such as AD, xerosis and psoriasis, sweat duct obstruction accompanying the hyperkeratosis also brings about the retention of sweat in the ducts which disturbs sweat delivery [37,38].…”

EEMCO Guidance for the Efficacy Assessment of Antiperspirants and Deodorants

“…A variant of the method consists of collecting sweat on absorbent filter paper of defined dimensions placed in an occlusive device sealed airtight onto the skin [58]. The papers must be handled with forceps to avoid direct contact with the operator's fingers.…”