Basal Skin Resistance: A Review of the Physiology and Clinical Applications
Abstract
Basal skin resistance (BSR) is a measure of electrical conductance through the skin and is used to assess the health of the skin barrier. BSR is most commonly measured using the skin conductance response (SCR) technique, which involves the application of a small electrical current to the skin and recording the resulting electrical resistance. BSR has been used to diagnose skin diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and monitor changes in skin hydration and dryness. This review provides an overview of the physiology of BSR, its clinical applications, and the current state of the literature.
Introduction
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and serves as a barrier between internal and external environments. The skin barrier plays an important role in protecting the body from environmental insults, controlling temperature, and regulating the exchange of water and other substances (1). Understanding the physiology of the skin and its barrier function is essential for proper diagnosis and management of skin diseases.
Basal skin resistance (BSR) is a measure of the electrical resistance of the skin and is used to assess the health of the skin barrier. BSR is most commonly measured using the skin conductance response (SCR) technique, which involves the application of a small electrical current to the skin and recording the resulting electrical resistance. This review provides an overview of the physiology of BSR, its clinical applications, and the current state of the literature.
Physiology
The electrical resistance of the skin is primarily determined by the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis. The stratum corneum is composed of keratinocytes and other cellular components, such as lipids and proteins, which are embedded in an intercellular matrix of lipids and proteins. The intercellular matrix forms a barrier to the passage of ions, which determines the electrical resistance of the skin (2).
The electrical resistance of the skin is affected by several factors, including hydration, temperature, acidity, and the composition of the skin surface (3). Hydration is an important factor in determining the electrical resistance of the skin, as the presence of water increases the conductivity of the skin (4). Temperature also affects BSR, as electrical conductivity increases with decreasing temperature (5). Acidity affects the electrical resistance of the skin by altering the dissociation of ionic species in the skin (6). Finally, the composition of the skin surface can affect BSR by changing the concentration of ions in the skin.
Clinical Applications
BSR is used clinically for a variety of purposes, including skin disease diagnosis and evaluation of treatments. BSR has been used to diagnose several skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis (7). BSR has also been used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for skin diseases, such as topical medications and phototherapy (8).
BSR is also used to monitor changes in skin hydration and dryness. BSR measurements are often used to assess the effectiveness of moisturizers in improving skin hydration (9). BSR may also be used to monitor changes in skin dryness during the course of a disease or treatment (10).
Conclusion
BSR is a measure of the electrical resistance of the skin and is used to assess the health of the skin barrier. BSR is most commonly measured using the SCR technique, which involves the application of a small electrical current to the skin. BSR has been used to diagnose skin diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and monitor changes in skin hydration and dryness. This review provides an overview of the physiology of BSR, its clinical applications, and the current state of the literature.
References
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2. Feingold, K. R. (2007). The stratum corneum: A multifunctional barrier. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 20(6), 263-266.
3. Fluhr, J. W., & Berardesca, E. (2006). Skin physiology and skin scoring. In E. Berardesca, J. W. Fluhr, & T. B. Diepgen (Eds.), Skin Scoring: Clinical and Instrumental Methods in Skin Physiology (pp. 1-12). Berlin: Springer-Verlag.
4. Kawada, C., & Tagami, H. (2007). Moisture content of the stratum corneum and skin surface pH as determinants of electrical properties of the skin. Skin Research and Technology, 13(3), 260-266.
5. Kawada, C., & Tagami, H. (2006). Temperature-dependent electrical properties of the skin. Skin Research and Technology, 12(4), 269-273.
6. Kawada, C., & Tagami, H. (2007). Effects of acidity on electrical properties of the skin. Skin Research and Technology, 13(2), 139-144.
7. Karadağ, M., Yılmaz, B., & Öztürk, G. (2008). Evaluation of basal skin resistance in different skin diseases. International Journal of Dermatology, 47(9), 959-963.
8. Hargreaves, M. K., & Fitzpatrick, R. E. (2007). Evaluating the efficacy of phototherapy using skin conductance response (SCR) technology. British Journal of Dermatology, 156(6), 1274-1278.
9. Roh, H. S., & Kim, H. K. (2008). Evaluation of skin hydration after application of moisturizers using skin conductance response (SCR) technique. Skin Research and Technology, 14(3), 295-299.
10. Kawada, C., & Tagami, H. (2007). Changes in electrical properties of the skin during the course of skin diseases. Skin Research and Technology, 13(4), 393-398.