E. Dreassi, G. Ceramelli, P. Mura, P. L. Perruccio, F. Vocioni, P. Bartalini and P. Corti
An investigation into the existence of spectral differences and differences in response in terms of water and lipid content between normal and atopic skin after interaction with chemical agents is described. Three compounds were taken as models: a prevalently hydrophilic solvent (polyethylene glycol, PEG 400), a prevalently lipophilic solvent (isopropyl myristate) and a hydrophilic pharmaceutical (gel) used to promote contact in electrocardiography. Using principal component analysis it was possible to distinguish atopic and normal subjects by simple contact of the skin with chemical agents.