Abstract: The integrity, barrier function, cohesion and antimicrobial defense of the stratum corneum pH are improved by acidification, which is achieved by the application of low pH buffers, enzymes, phospholipids or salts with monovalent cations.

Abstract: Hyperkeratotic skin lesions are treated by the topical administration of inhibitors of hydrogen ion pumps, transporters, and antiporters, or buffers with a pH of 7.0 or greater, and inhibitors of physiological processes that generate free fatty acids from complex lipids.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefor are disclosed.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier, disturbed differentiation, or inflammation are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefore are disclosed.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: Acne vulgaris and acneiform skin conditions are treated by the application of compounds that is juvenile hormone III, 7-methyl-9-(3,3-dimethyloxiranyl)-3-methyl-2,6-nonadienoic acid methyl ester.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor .alpha., and oxysterol activators of the LXR.alpha. receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment or prophylaxis of systematic inflammatory response syndrome by administering an antagonist to parathyroid hormone-related protein, such as antibodies to PTHrP.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of a formulation comprising certain of the three major epidermal lipid species or their structurally similar precursors, isomers, or analogs in certain proportion ranges. This invention utilizes the following lipid species in unique combinations of two or more components: cholesterol, an acylceramide, a ceramide, and essential and nonessential fatty acids. These combinations are effective both as moisturizing agents and agents for the restoration of barrier function. Some of these combinations are further enhanced by the addition of known moisturizers such as petrolatum and glycerine.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.