Measurement of water transport through the skin

Abstract

A method for measuring water exchange through human skin has been developed. It is based on estimation of the vapour pressure gradient immediately above the surface of the skin and permits the skin area investigated to be exposed to the ambient air during the entire period of measurement. Influence on the microclimate above the skin, with respect to humidity and temperature, is thereby minimized. An instrument for measuring small amounts of water evaporated from or absorbed by a surface per unit time and area is described and its accuracy discussed. The instrument has a high degree of accuracy and better sensitivity than previously described devices used for this purpose. It has been used primarily to investigate the rate of evaporation from the skin surface in newborn infants and from the skin in patients with burns.