Preclinical study to evaluate the effects of a soft handkerchief in nasolabial skin barrier

Author: Samara Eberlin

Published at: December 01, 2021

Journal of Dermatology and Dermatitis 6(2), 2021

DOI: 10.31579/2578-8949/078

Samara Eberlin, Liliana Torloni, Angélica Richart Csipak, Gustavo Facchini, Gustavo H. Silva, Camila Martins Kawakami, Ana L. T. A. Pinheiro, Vivienne Carduz Castilho.

People suffering from an ordinary acute cold use so many handkerchiefs that the wiping actions alone increase the abrasive damage of the nasolabial zone, finally leading to a disturbed barrier function and inflammation. It seems that the quality of the material used for nose cleansing could play an important role, and that innovative handkerchiefs could fulfill a preventive role in minimizing the damaging effects on the skin barrier function of the nasolabial zone during these conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of a wet handkerchief (SKNW) on the skin barrier balance by measuring filaggrin and histamine using an experimental model of ex vivo native human skin and the interference of this handkerchief in the skin microbiota through in vitro screening. SKNW showed an increase in the production of filaggrin and a reduction in histamine synthesis in human explants subjected to barrier disruption with 5% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Additionally, SKNW showed mild to moderate antiseptic action on the evaluated microorganisms. This study demonstrated that SKNW could be considered a feasible option for consecutive wiping of the nasolabial zone, avoiding transient mechanical dermatitis, considering its skin barrier protective, non-irritating, and antiseptic actions.