Intra-epidermal nerve fibres in human skin: Back to the roots

Abstract

Regarding the existence and the role of intra-epidermal nerve fibres, the literature is ambiguous. However, performing a literature search, a landmark paper turned up that even many dermatologists seem to have forgotten, or may not even know at all. This paper is entitled 'The innervation of human epidermis' written by Arthur and Shelley (J Invest Dermatol, 32, 1959, 397). The full text is available via http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v32/n3/pdf/jid195969a.pdf. The authors present data on intra-epidermal nerves at 16 representative body areas. The existence of intra-epidermal nerve fibres is undisputable and does not only explain clinical symptoms but may even provide a promising target for drug development. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.