What is absorption? Definition & Explanation

What is absorption? Skin absorption is the process of chemical substances/elements passing through the skin into the body. Dermal absorption, like inhalation, ingesting, and injection is a route of harmful chemical exposure and drug administration. The concentration, duration of contact, the solubility of medication, and physical state of the skin and part of the body accessible are all key aspects in the absorption of drugs via the skin.

However, the movement of substances from the outer layer of skin into the skin and circulation call skin absorption. The degree of availability and the potential effect of a drug that can enter the body through the skin call skin absorption. Many agents come into touch with human skin, both knowingly and unknowingly.

Chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical items are absorbed via the skin as a result of occupational, environmental, or consumer skin exposure. Some substances consume in large enough amounts to have systemic effects. Dermatitis (skin disease) is one of the most frequent occupational disorders.

To determine if a chemical poses a danger of producing dermatitis or other more systemic consequences, as well as how that risk mitigate. One must first determine the extent to which it absorbs. Consequently, dermal exposure is an important part of human health risk assessment.

A chemical substance must travel through the epidermis, glands, or hair follicles and absorbs through the skin surface. Sweat glands and hair follicles account for 0.1 to 1% of the total skin surface area.

Chemicals enter the body in small amounts through glands or hair follicles, but they are predominantly absorbed through the epidermis. Chemicals should pass through the epidermis’ 7 cell layers before entering the dermis, where they can reach the bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body.

Factors of absorption:

Dermal absorption is a source of transmission for bioactive compounds, including pharmaceuticals, in addition to inhalation, ingestion, and injection. Several factors influence the absorption of chemicals through the skin.

  • Concentration
  • The molecular weight of the molecule
  • Duration of contract
  • Solubility of medication
  • The physical condition of the skin
  • Part of the body exposed contains the amount of hair on the skin surface

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