Occlusion

Abstract

According to the definition from Bucks [1], occlusion is the complete impairment of passive transepidermal water loss at the application site. Thus, the main influence on the skin under occlusion seems to be the retention of water [2,3] that is detectable by the decrease of transepidermal water loss and the increase of water holding capacity [4]. Furthermore, examination of the effects of occlusion focuses on the influence of subsequent effects like temperature, gas exchange, stimulation of enzymes, growth and migration of cells, and drug and substance penetration. Changing of the epidermal ambiance (e.g., by growth of bacterial flora) has to be considered as well.