Neurocutaneous system: Is the skin a big eye with deep brain connections?

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Publication Details

Journal
Dermatology Reports
Published
2026-08-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2026.10930
Primary Topic
Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Neurocutaneous system: Is the skin a big eye with deep brain connections?

Fortunato Cassalia, Paolo Del Fiore, Andrea Danese
Dermatology Reports
Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
article

Neurocutaneous system: Is the skin a big eye with deep brain connections?

Fortunato Cassalia, Paolo Del Fiore, Andrea Danese
article en

Abstract

Traditionally recognised as the body's largest organ, the skin acts as a protective barrier and primary sensory interface with the external environment. Recent advances in dermatology and neuroscience have revealed a sophisticated neuroendocrine network within the skin, suggesting that the skin's role extends far beyond mere protection and sensation. In this article, we propose an innovative perspective by conceptualising the skin as a "big eye" in close communication with the central nervous system (CNS). Central to this concept is the idea that all nerve endings in the skin converge into a single extended nerve, like the optic nerve, which we can imagine as a "cutaneous nerve". This nerve could act as a conduit for the transmission of sensory and emotional information from the skin to the CNS. [...].

Dermatology Reports
University of Verona (IT), Istituto Oncologico Veneto (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
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