Extracellular skin proteins

Extracellular skin proteins, primarily located in the stratum corneum and upper layers of the epidermis, serve as the primary pharmacological target for astringent agents like aluminum acetate (StatPearls, 2023). These proteins, including keratin and various structural components, undergo precipitation and coagulation upon contact with aluminum ions (PubChem, CID 9330). This biochemical reaction leads to the contraction of tissues, a reduction in capillary permeability, and the drying of exudative (weeping) skin lesions (ScienceDirect, 2021). By forming a protective layer of precipitated protein, aluminum acetate helps alleviate symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, poison ivy, and insect bites (NIH, 2022). While not a single receptor-mediated target, the collective interaction with these proteins is essential for the therapeutic efficacy of topical astringent solutions.

Other names

Skin surface proteinsStratum corneum proteinsDermal proteinsEpidermal structural proteins

Protein precipitation and coagulation leading to tissue contraction and reduced exudation