The skin's most important function, its raison d'être, is the formation of an effective
barrier between the "inside" and the "outside" worlds of the organism. An intact and
well-functioning skin barrier is necessary to prevent desiccation, which permits terrestrial
life on dry land. It also determines the function and appearance of the skin, ranging
from tough and scaly to soft and smooth. We now know that derangements of the epidermal
barrier are central to the development of all dry skin conditions, plus a myriad of
diseases, including atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, ichthyosis, and
psoriasis, as well as of the development of allergies.
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© 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.
