Hydration of the horny layer and barrier function in atopic dermatitis before and after therapy in high-altitude climate

We report on a comparative study on patients suffering from atopic dermatitis versus healthy controls. By means of AC impedance measurements at 15 kHz, evaporimeter, and determination of PtcO₂, we investigated those skin sites which clinically appeared unaffected both before and after a 4-weeks' therapy in high-altitude climate. The patients with atopic dermatitis showed a highly increased level of transepidermal waterloss (TEWL) which decreased to values still above normal after therapy. The impedance values lay within the normal range both before and after treatment. The PtcO₂ rate was significantly improved after therapy.