Application of three hygrometers under different skin conditions in dogs: dry, moist and haired skin

Background Hydration is one parameter of skin barrier function. The Skicon‐200EX® and Corneometer CM825® are hygrometers used to measure skin hydration in humans based on different measurement methods. The ASA‐MX3® is a hygrometer used to obtain measurements at haired skin sites in humans. Hypothesis/Objectives To validate three hygrometers to measure skin dryness in dogs. Animals Six clinically normal research dogs. Methods In vivo evaluation of three hygrometers for three different skin types was performed. Measurement of hydration was performed at five different regional sites. Dry and moist skin were induced by treatment with a sorbent and petrolatum, respectively, and measurements were collected for 120 min. Skin sites with three different hair lengths were evaluated to determine whether hair would interfere with hydration measurements. Results All three hygrometers obtained measurements at the nonhaired skin sites, except the ASA‐MX3® hygrometer at the ear site. At the dry skin sites the Skicon‐200EX® hygrometer detected a significant decrease of water content for longer than the other devices. At the moist skin sites the Corneometer CM825® and ASA‐MX3® hygrometers showed a significant increase in water content. The ASA‐MX3® hygrometer was the only device that could obtain measurements at sites with hair. Conclusions and clinical importance The Skicon‐200EX® hygrometer was the most sensitive for detecting skin dryness, whereas the Corneometer CM825® and ASA‐MX3® hygrometers detected an emollient effect. Only the ASA‐MX3® could provide measurements at the haired sites. This study may assist in the selection of a hygrometer based on the purpose of use. Résumé Contexte L'hydratation est un paramètre de la fonction barrière cutanée. Les hygromètres Skicon‐200EX® et Corneometer CM825® sont utilisés pour mesurer l'hydratation cutanée chez l'homme à partir de différentes méthodes de mesure. L’ASA‐MX3® est un hygromètre utilisé pour obtenir des mesures de la peau velue chez l'homme. Hypothèses/Objectifs Valider les trois hygromètres pour la mesure de la sécheresse cutanée chez le chien. Sujets Six chiens de laboratoire cliniquement sains. Méthodes L’évaluation in vivo des trois hygromètres pour les trois différents types de peau a été réalisée. La mesure de l'hydratation a été réalisée sur cinq zones différentes. Les peaux sèche et humide ont été réalisées respectivement avec un agent absorbant et de la vaseline et les mesures réalisées pendant 120 min. Les