Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy-caused skin barrier damage and triggered dermatitis in Port-Wine Stains

To assess the association between PDT and dermatitis, and the mechanism of PDT-triggered dermatitis in PWS patients. Clinical images were used to calculate the percentage of dermatitis. The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra), the average depth of roughness (Rz) and the mean square roughness (Rq) were used to assess the change of surface roughness. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and total lipid content (TLC) were used to analyze the skin barrier function. After treatment, we found that the percentage of dermatitis was closely related to the treatment times and age. Moreover, the skin surface roughness of Ra, Rz, Rq and the skin barrier function of TEWL and TLC of these treated areas all were increased (p<0.05), and the SCH was decreased (p<0.05). PDT caused skin barrier damage in treated area, which may lead to increased epidermal permeability and trigger dermatitis in PWS patients.