The effect of electrical stimulation on skin vulnerability to irritants

Abstract

Purpose

Electrical stimulation (ES) is a widely used technique in the medical field for various purposes. The effect of ES on several skin properties has been investigated; however, its effect on skin vulnerability to irritants remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ES application on skin vulnerability to external irritants.

Materials and methods

An experimental study on 12 healthy male subjects (Mean ± SD, 22.9 ± 3.6 years) who completed the study. The subjects were free of skin abnormalities in the volar aspect of both forearms. Three areas were allocated to each forearm and marked as areas 1, 2, and A in the treated forearm, and areas 3, 4, and B in the control forearm. ES was applied to the volar aspect of the treated forearm for 30 min three times a week, for 2 weeks. The effect of ES on skin vulnerability was investigated using 5% and 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) patches applied to both treated and control forearms. The skin response to irritants was evaluated using transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a visual erythema score 24 h after patch removal.

Results

Compared to the control forearm, ES increased skin permeability and erythema in response to external irritants (SLS), as measured by the visual analog score ( Z = 2.75, p = 0.006) and TEWL ( p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

ES escalates skin reactions to low concentrations of irritant substances, such as SLS, in the area between the two electrodes. This emphasizes the use of this substance, and similar irritants should be avoided in areas treated with ES.