Beyond the surface: permeability barrier function and chronic irritant contact dermatitis

Abstract Chronic irritant contact dermatitis (CICD) results from repeated exposure to skin irritants causing progressive deterioration of the epidermal barrier function with release of pro-inflammatory mediators from the skin residential cells. In this mini-review, we address key aspects of the epidermal barrier response to irritant exposure in healthy skin and in individuals with an increased risk of developing CICD and emphasize the need for validated, robust biomarkers for accurate differentiation of irritant from atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis reactions.