Engebretsen KA, et al. - This trial was carried out in order to investigate the dermal texture index (DTI), monomeric filaggrin and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) in healthy individuals and a group of patients with controlled dermatitis. A significant contrast in DTI, monomeric filaggrin and NMF levels was noted between healthy controls and dermatitis patients. Even mild dermatitis or non-visible inflammation exerted a prominent and negative effect on the skin barrier as inflammation reduced the filaggrin levels. A substantial rise was disclosed in the DTI among aged individuals of the healthy group, hinting towards a gradual change in corneocyte morphology with age.