Skin Barrier Function of Black African and White Nursing Students

Abstract

Assessment of skin biophysical parameters in a South African nursing population may provide insight in long-term changes in their skin condition in a practical setting. This study aimed to investigate changes in skin barrier function parameters over a period of 2 years, in nursing students completing their tertiary education. Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum (SC) hydration, and skin surface pH were measured in female nursing students (63 white, 42 Black African) three times a year and repeated for 2 years. Linear mixed models and Bonferroni post hoc tests were performed to test changes over time in skin barrier function parameters. Transepidermal water loss and SC hydration significantly (p < .001) decreased over 2 years in first-year students, whereas only specific differences were established for senior students. Skin surface pH significantly (p < .001) varied over the 2 years with significant increases (p < .031) in the winter months. The only significant difference (p < .001) between white and Black African students was established in skin surface pH. This study demonstrated the variability of skin barrier function parameters, specifically seasonal variation in skin surface pH. This study also revealed possible long-term changes in skin condition through the recovery of the SC in a practical setting.