Introduction and definitions -- Skin structure and function -- Skin transport mechanisms and theoretical concepts -- Metabolism in the skin -- In vitro tests for dermal absorption -- In vivo tests for dermal absorption -- Comparative studies -- Data collections -- Estimation/prediction of dermal penetration -- Use of dermal penetration studies in risk assessment -- Controversial topics in the assessment of dermal absorption -- Conclusions and recommendations.

The skin is the first line of defense against chemical warfare agents including nerve agents and toxic industrial chemicals, providing a possible barrier or delay to systemic distribution. However, some chemicals act directly on the skin including vesicants sulfur mustard and corrosive compounds such as strong acids or bases, and do not have to gain access to systemic circulation to cause extensive skin damage. Early and rapid skin decontamination is extremely important following exposure to chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals because it decreases serious skin damage to the patient and, potentially, their doctor. This multi-authored international text pulls together a century of decontamination research and helps the reader expedite solutions that will decrease morbidity and mortality. Complete with dozens of hiqh quality photographs and illustrations, Skin Decontamination aids industrial hygiene, dermatology, occupational physicians and those involved in the public health arena.

The accessibility of the skin in vivo has resulted in the development of non-invasive methods in the past 40 years that offer accurate measurements of skin properties and structures from microscopic to macroscopic levels. However, the mechanisms involved in these properties are still only partly understood. Similar to many other domains, including

This book reviews skin permeation and disposition of chemical compounds. Skin is utilized as an administration site for transdermal drug delivery systems, topical drug formulations, cosmeceuticals, and cosmetics. Their usefulness is closely related to the permeation and disposition of entrapped active ingredients through and into the skin. Skin permeation, disposition, and metabolism of chemicals are first summarized in the general introduction. Then primary topical formulations are explained in the second part, “Basic Formulations Applied to Skin”. The explanation for the active compounds and formulations are of the most important parts required to fabricate these formulations. Skin absorption of chemicals is generally much lower than oral and the other mucosal absorptions, so that skin-penetration enhancement is a key issue to have good formulations topically applied. Part 3 presents “Skin Penetration Enhancement”. In addition, Part 4, “Selection of Topically Applied Chemical Candidates”, deals with selection methods of topically applied ingredients for transdermal drug delivery systems, topical drug formulations, cosmeceuticals, and cosmetics. Parts 5 and 6, “Safety Assessment of Topically Applied Compounds“ and “Experimental Methods of Skin Permeation“, respectively, show safety issues and experimental methods for topical formulations. The final part consists of comments on therapeutic and cosmetic formulations by medical doctors and pharmacists. Their comments are especially helpful for pharmaceutical and cosmetic researchers who study dermatopharmacokinetics and topical formulations. This volume is particularly useful for those working in R&D, graduate students, and educators in the area of pharmaceutics, cosmetic sciences, dermatological sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, biopharmacy, pharmacokinetics, physical pharmacy, chemical engineering, and related fields.

Many experimental methods and mathematical modeling approaches rooted in disciplines outside of toxicology can be effectively applied to estimating dermal absorption. Dermal Absorption Models in Toxicology and Pharmacology explores current approaches and techniques that can be used to quantify dermal absorption with endpoints useful in both toxicology and pharmacology. The book begins with a review of basic principles and the in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches available for assessing dermal absorption of drugs and chemicals. This is followed by coverage of mathematical or in silico models for quantitating percutaneous absorption and the applications of these techniques to the risk assessment process. The remainder of the book explores scenarios where the unique properties of the chemicals being studied or the matrix in which they are exposed must be considered and then wraps up with a comparative analysis of chemical permeability in human and animal skin. Many of the books covering this subject are just too comprehensive and serve primarily as reference works. This book takes a different approach. Jim Riviere's editorial guidance ensures that the information is readable, accessible, authoritative, and concise, making it the perfect resource for familiarizing new researchers and students to the field and updating established scientists.