Human labia majora skin: transepidermal water loss in vivo.

Transepidermal water (TEW) loss of normal vulvar and flexor forearm skin was measured in 12 subjects. A significantly elevated vulvar TEW loss was demonstrated. Depsite subcutaneous administration of atropine in seven subjects to eliminate eccrine sweating, no alteration in the elevated TEW loss was found. A significant anatomic and/or physiologic uniqueness of vulvar skin is demonstrated and warrants further investigation.