Alterations in Epidermal Biophysical Properties in Autistic Children

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with autism can exhibit multiple neurological symptoms such as deficit in social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Recent study showed that murine model of autism displays an increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and dry skin. But whether epidermal functions are also altered in children with autism is unknown. In the present study, TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH were compared between children with autism (N=56) and normal controls (N=48). Our results showed that children with autism exhibited lower stratum corneum hydration levels, higher TEWL and elevated skin surface pH in comparison to normal controls (p<0.0001 for all). These results demonstrate that children with autism exhibit epidermal dysfunction.