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Skin barrier function and current perception threshold in extrinsic and intrinsic atopic dermatitis

The relationship between the itch perception threshold and skin barrier function in 49 patients with extrinsic atopic dermatitis (AD; n = 37) or intrinsic AD (n = 17) was investigated. Twenty-four healthy individuals served as controls. Skin barrier function was evaluated by skin surface hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Current perception threshold (CPT) was evaluated by transelectrical skin stimulation. Skin surface hydration significantly decreased and TEWL significantly increased in extrinsic versus intrinsic AD or normal controls. No significant differences in CPT between groups occurred but was significantly correlated with skin surface hydration and inversely associated with TEWL in intrinsic AD and normal controls. CPT correlated with the visual analogue scale for ...