Preclinical Study to Evaluate the Effects of a Soft Handkerchief in Nasolabial Skin Barrier

Abstract

People suffering from an ordinary acute cold consume so many handkerchiefs that the wiping actions on their own increase the abrasive damage of the nasolabial zone, finally leading to a disturbed barrier function and inflamation. It seems that the quality of the material used for nose cleansing could play an important role and that innovative handkerchiefs would fulfil a preventive role in minimizing the damaging effect of theskin barrier function of the nasolabial zone during this 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 model 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 of histamine synthesis in human explants subjected to barrier disruption with 5% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Additionaly, SKNW showed a mild and moderate antiseptic action on the evaluated microorganisms. This study demonstrated that SKNW could be considered a feasible option for consecutive wiping of nasolabial zone avoiding the transient mechanical dermatitis, considering its skin barrier protective, non-irritating and antiseptic actions.