Skin Damage by Washing

Abstract

Water brought into contact with the skin will dissolve the free amino- acids present in the stratum corneum. These amino-acids are derived from the pars dysjuncta and the pars conjuncta of the horny layer. The amount of amino-acids extracted depends on the pH of the water: the more alkaline the water, the more amino-acids will be dissolved. If the skin is de greased before being washed, the pH of the wash water does not influence the amount of amino-acids dissolved. In that case each pH will give an amount which is otherwise found at pH 11. The amount of insoluble protein (sclero-proteins) is hardly, if at all, affected by the pH of the wash water or by preliminary degreasing of the skin. Several investigators have pointed out the importance of amino-acids and other substances for the moisture content of the stratum corneum. Loss of moisture from that layer may give rise to a rough chapped skin. In persons whose occupation involves them in prolonged contact with water, such symptoms may be caused by the water removing the amino-acids from the pars conjuncta.