Exposure to the antimicrobial chemical triclosan disrupts keratinocyte function and skin integrity in a model of reconstructed human epidermis

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical incorporated into products that are applied to the skin of healthcare workers. Exposure to triclosan has previously been shown to be immunomodulatory and associated with allergic disease. Additionally, we have shown that exposure to triclosan dermally activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and disrupts the skin barrier integrity in mice. The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays an important role as a physical barrier and regulator of the immune system. Alterations in the barrier and immune regulatory functions of the skin have been demonstrated to increase the risk of sensitization and development of allergic disease. In this study, the impact of triclosan exposure on the skin barrier and keratinocyte function was investigated using a model of reconstructed human epidermis. The apical surface of reconstructed human epidermis was exposed to triclosan once for 6, 24, or 48 hours or daily for 5 consecutive days.