The role of ethnicity on percutaneous
absorption
Article #11
Abstract
The role of ethnicity
on percutaneous
absorption
The world encompasses many different skin ethnicities; one
important factor that contributes to this variation is pigmentation.
Questions have been raised whether there are any differences in
the skin structure and barrier function of pigmented individuals
and those that lack. Understanding the differences in skin
structure of different ethnicities can play an important role
in tailoring the use of cosmetics and therapeutic products to
maximize treatment options for patients. This review article
will look at the differences in the skin structure and barrier
function of Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, and Asian skin; but mostly
emphasizing on the differences between Caucasian and Black
skin.
Author: Murielle Nsiela
Keywords: Skin
ethnicity, stratum
corneum, pigmentation,
drug absorption
Keywords: Skin ethnicity, stratum corneum, pigmentation, drug
absorption
Introduction
Skin Physiology
The largest organ in the body is the skin, it makes up 16% of
one’s body mass and provides a protective barrier against the
loss of important physiological components, it shields the body
from pathogens, toxic agents and ultraviolet radiation (Sahle et al.,
2015).
The skin itself is sectioned into three main layers; the epidermis,
which is the uppermost layer of the skin, and is in contact with
the environment. This is followed by the dermis the thickest layer
containing structures such as the hair follicles and sweat glands.
The hypodermis is the innermost layer that includes adipose
tissue for subcutaneous fat storage; this is essential in the skin’s
thermal barrier and provides a mechanical cushion. Additionally,
this layer contains most of the skins blood vessels and nerves
(D’Orazio et al., 2013). The epidermis is further divided into five
layers as illustrated in figure 1, the stratum corneum (SC), stratum
lucidum (SL), stratum granulosum (SG), stratum spinosum (SS) and
the stratum basale (SB) (Wickett and Visscher, 2006).
78