Christian Surber Boeken

The concept of pH, defined as the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration, emerged in the early 20th century and became essential in life sciences and analytical research. pH measurements from living skin led to the identification of the acid mantle, the skin's natural protective barrier that maintains an acidic pH, vital for skin health. Disruption of this acid mantle through chronic alkalization can result in inflammation, dermatitis, and various skin diseases. Consequently, shifts in skin pH are noted in many skin conditions. The pH of topical preparations is also significant, as optimal pH and buffer capacity enhance the stability of active ingredients and improve the absorption of non-ionized forms of both acidic and basic compounds. Furthermore, these preparations can help modify and restore skin pH, promoting barrier recovery and integrity. There is a pressing need to standardize pH measurements in biological and cosmetic contexts to ensure the quality and relevance of research findings. This volume presents a collection of papers that explore the historical, current, and future implications of skin pH in both healthy and diseased states, aiming to inspire further clinical and experimental research in dermatology.

Mucosal membranes have unique anatomical and physiological properties -- differing from those of the keratinized epithelium -- which affect drug or chemical absorption. This makes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the mucosa a challenge to dermatologists as well as gynecologists, since many conditions are difficult to recognize and well-established principles of skin disease treatment do not apply to the mucosa. This volume is exclusively devoted to the mucosal membrane and delivers a better understanding of this distinctive area. Subsequently to introductory chapters on the morphology and physiology of the mucosa, the topical treatment of impaired mucosal membranes is discussed. A third section covers the wide spectrum of consumer products applied on mucosal surfaces. Finally, the safety of products for mucosal membranes is reviewed. Providing an excellent summary and review of the latest findings and topical applications, this book will be of great value to physicians and clinicians in dermatology or gynecology, pharmacists, scientists and toxicologists who are involved in the development of products for mucosal membranes.