Citation:

Hughes, M. Dermal Toxicity. Chapter 11, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Toxicology: From Molecules to Man. Academic Press Incorporated, Orlando, FL, , 141-151, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813602-7.00011-9

Impact/Purpose:

The purpose of this book chapter is to provide a brief introduction to dermal toxicity. The chapter describes skin histology, dermal absorption, and adverse conditions and diseases associated with the skin following exposure to xenobiotics or ultraviolet light. Scientists requiring a brief overview of dermal toxicity would be interested in this chapter.

Description:

The skin is an essential organ because it protects the internal organs from the outside environment, maintains body water, regulates temperature, and provides overall support to the body. The skin has two main elements, the outer epidermis and the underlying dermis. The cells of the epidermis grow outward and differentiate terminally, becoming full of keratin and other water-proofing molecules. Xenobiotics are absorbed into skin and can penetrate into the systemic circulation, but there are many factors that determine the rate and extent of absorption that are related to properties of the skin, xenobiotic and the vehicle. There are several toxicities that occur in skin from topical and systemic exposure. These toxicities include irritation, allergic reactions, cancer, and others. Ultraviolet light plays a large role in phototoxic reactions as well as development of cancer in skin.

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