Skin barrier in veterinary allergy or the animal (and human) skin protective hat

Abstract

A main reason for veterinary consultation is related to dermatological conditions, with pruritus as a frequent complaint. Allergic-based Inflammatory conditions with several complications, such as alopecia and secondary infections, are common. Besides the immune-mediated triggering factors, assessment of the skin barrier, aiming restoring its effect stands essential. Defects in skin lipid and protein constitution are among human and animal skin barrier-impairing causes, favoring a deep penetration of different agents. Allergen and microorganism deep-skin penetration triggers an immune response, frequently associated to inflammation and itching, which may be enhanced by a genetic predisposition to sensitization and allergy. Human and dog skin show several constitutional similarities that have been identified as relevant for the barrier condition, which may influence both species susceptibility for allergy development and may allow for a two-way Human-dog model as both share the same environment, with the same exposome.