P-44 COMSOL simulation of transdermal toxin expulsion via adsorptive dermal patch

Buller Hallway

Human skin is a highly complex organ made of multiple composite layers, including the subcutaneous tissue, the dermis, and the epidermis. These layers contain ducts and pores that allow substances to pass into or out of the body. Mathematical skin models play an important role in fields such as transdermal drug delivery and assessment of dermal exposure to industrial chemicals. Extensive research has been conducted using the skin as a means of moderating and controlling drug delivery through transdermal adsorption. Little effort has been made, however, to view the skin as a permeable layer to expel waste chemicals or toxins from the body. In this work, we focused on topical application of charcoal poultices or dermal patches that are used for cleansing the body by stimulating circulation and drawing out impurities thorough transdermal adsorption. We developed a two-dimensional computational skin model to evaluate removal of toxins through skin as permeable layers. The simplified skin model consists of the dermis and epidermis layers as diffusive layers and endotoxins of inflammation as a point source. The results were compared with and without the aid of an adsorptive topical dermal patch or poultice.